Rule of Thirds-If you imagine your image before you take it you should think of a grid with nine equal squares. You should position the important subject of the image along the lines of the squares to balance out your picture.
Balancing Elements– If you off center your main subject in your image it adds separation and creates a scene but you should also include another subject in the picture to balance it.
Leading Lines- Try to add lines in your image to create a different way you see the image or change the significance of the image itself.
Symmetry and Patterns- Think about the way you take the picture and how symmetry or patterns can easily be included. However you can also add tension in the picture to break the patterns.
Viewpoint- When thinking about taking a photo first decide on the point of view you would like to have in your photo. Depending on what your subject is you will choose a viewpoint that will look best
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Background- To ensure you have a clearly displaced subject, try to have a plain and non-interrupted background.
Depth- Be sure to include a sense of foreground, middle ground, and background or even try over lapping as seen when your taking the picture.
Framing- Try to have simple objects like trees, arch ways, or even holes as a surrounding to the main subject it adds depth and importance to the image.
Cropping- This will reveal more of the subject and will cancel out the less important yet distracting background.
Experimentation- Don’t be afraid to play around with the photo and see what you like the best and just discard the others, this will only improve your skills and your appreciation of your work