Beginning Photography Tip #3:
Compose Your Picture with Care

Touch of the Past
Balanced Composition
© Jim Miotke
All Rights Reserved

Even if you don't plan on selling your photo to the Smithsonian, make every effort to keep it balanced and beautiful. On one level or another, everyone responds better to a picture that has all elements in balance.

Strive to lead the eye along an interesting path through the photo, with the use of strong lines or patterns.

• Keep the horizon level;
• Crop out extra elements that you are not interested in (more on this is the next tip);
• Consciously place your subject where you think it most belongs rather than just accepting it wherever it happens to land in the photo;
• Play with perspective so that all lines show a pattern or lead the eye to your main subject;
• Work with the Rule of Thirds.