Taking the Shot COMPOSITION

The first and greatest rule for composition is what’s known as “the rule of thirds.” It is remarkably simple and effective at the same time. The rule basically begins with overlaying an imaginary (or actual) grid over your viewfinder. “Actual” in the sense that some cameras allow you to push a button to digitally overlay a grid on your screen.

The idea is that photos will look more pleasing if you employ a sense of “division” within the photo, such that the grid becomes meaningful. “Meaningful” is a very general statement, and it’s supposed to be. The grid could lead you in a variety of ways, based on intersecting points or dividing the photo along horizontal or vertical rows.

The best way of explaining this is via examples. In this one below, a pleasing photo of a night scene in Antarctica