Photography is an art that like all forms of art, involves many different components. We have the technical component of our equipment, the light that enters our camera, and also composition or how all the pieces of the scene fit together.

Today we are going to talk about composition. What does that mean exactly? It's how the objects in our viewfinder (or on our screen) are arranged within our camera frame. That includes the subject, sure, but also it includes the ground, buildings, sky, and even the trash cans.

We've talked before about individual components of composition, like avoiding distractions, or being a "tour guide for the eye". Today we're going to bring all of those ideas together in one little party. And for this party, 5 specific concepts are going to be invited.

#1 Leading the Eye

Remember, we are leading the viewer through the photograph. So we want to put the focus on the subject through depth of field (aperture), lighting, or placement in our frame.

AND we want to avoid distractions as we are leading that eye around. You remember that, right? Be aware of the bright shiny objects that can distract us away from the focus of our photo.

All of this is as simple as zooming in our out if you have that capability or moving your feet. Moving side to side, up or down can dramatically change how the objects are composed in your frame, how our eye is led THROUGH the frame, AND what distractions might be present.

Here the eye is led right down the sidewalk, through the scene, and to the cathedral, which is nice and highlighted by the sunlight.

#2 Rule of Thirds

We can't REALLY talk about composition without discussing the rule of thirds. Now my thoughts on rules, is that they should be used for guidance only. I'm a rule-breaker at heart.

The rule of thirds helps us think about WHERE in the frame the subject should be placed. One common beginner mistake is to always place the subject in the center of the frame. Which can work sometimes. Stay with me here.

Let's think of a grid dividing your frame into nine equal rectangles. At the intersections of those lines in your grid, is where your image would be placed…IF you are following this rule. That placement can create a more interesting and balanced photo and a more comfortable path for your eye to follow.

Now let's put aside my rule-breaking attitude for a minute. This is a REALLY GOOD guideline to get you started if you're not always sure what to do when it comes to composition. Most cameras even allow you to superimpose that grid in your viewfinder, to help you out.

I think following these rules - let's call them guidelines, the word rules makes me itch a bit - can be a fabulous place to get started, to get comfortable with composition - before you go all hog wild and do your own thing.

Here the clear focus of the shot is the hand picking the grapes (thanks to Cassie, the hand model). By following the rule of thirds, I positioned the hand at the intersection of the grid, making for a more appealing and eye-leading image.

#3 Leading Lines

Let me just say it now…I LOVE LEADING LINES! This is when you find natural, or manmade for that matter, lines in your scene that can take your eyes right down the obvious path. Literally. It's like saying "here little eyes follow me this way and look right here".

If you are asking what the heck is a leading line, oh there are so so many examples. Railroad tracks, fences, sidewalks, streets, hiking paths, even shadows.

I think this concept is best described with some examples. Here you go…

The fence on both sides, the path down the middle…all leading us to the people at the end. This is Central Park, New York City on a VERY cold, snowy day.

The fence leads to the line of trees across the back…which leads the eye across the horizon.

#4 Layering

This is a concept we've talked about before. And I think it's worth mentioning again, as part of our overall composition discussion here.

By creating foreground interest, you give more depth to your photo. You lead the viewer on a journey from foreground to background making it feel more 3D than just a flat 2D photo.

This can be achieved by what? Oh right, moving your feet, being conscious of what's in your frame. See? It's all starting to make sense now!

As you view your scene, maybe a waterfall, you might think "what can I add to the foreground to give this photo more depth?" Right those rocks right here by my feet! So you take a step back, squat down (don't fall in the water, it's not worth ruining your camera) and then you have some rocks in the foreground, the river in the midground, and the waterfall in the background.

Et voila! A layered 3D scene that is an interesting path for the viewer's eye to travel down.

There is more dimension in this photo because of the layers of the lion in the foreground, the moving bus in the midground, and then the buildings in the background.

#5 Rule of Space (there's that word again)

This refers to the space your subject is facing or moving toward. So if your subject is a person who is walking or running, there should be more space in front of the person than behind them. This also applies to moving objects like cars or boats.

Think of it this way….if you have a person walking and there is a LOT of space behind the person, but very little in front of them, it might look like they are going to run into the frame.

Of course they won't because the frame is just in our photograph, not a real-life barrier. But the viewer FEELS like the person is walking into the frame, and tends to even leave the frame to go with that person. And we want the viewer's eye to stay in the frame and take a little trip with us there.

Think of it this way. The person you are photographing should be looking or facing INTO the frame rather than out of it.

If this doesn't really make sense, takes some photos both ways. Of the person looking out of the frame, or walking right up to it. And then some of the persons looking INTO the frame and walking with plenty of space in front of her. Compare them and I think you'll see what I mean.

Here are some examples that might help.

If this lady were any closer to the edge of the frame, it would look awkward, We want to allow space within the frame to accommodate movement.

Here both the bicycle guy and the walking guy are lit by the sun. They are the key subjects, so make sure to allow for room in front of them - which there is here. When there are LOTS of people in the frame, you can’t always have room in front of ev… — Here both the bicycle guy and the walking guy are lit by the sun. They are the key subjects, so make sure to allow for room in front of them - which there is here. When there are LOTS of people in the frame, you can’t always have room in front of everyone. So make sure the clear subjects have room to move.

So let’s summarize. Here are 5 “rules” of composition: 1. Leading the Eye, 2. Rule of Thirds, 3. Leading Lines, 4. Layering, and 5. Rule of Space. Don’t memorize them - there won’t be a quiz. Just by being familiar with them, you can learn to compose your photos in a different, interesting, and often more appealing way. The key to implementing ALL of these guidelines?? Move your feet.

“A good photograph is knowing where to stand.” —Ansel Adams

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Now go create some amazing photos!