It’s generally a combination of elements that make a great photo – many times when we see an image that we are drawn to, it’s the whole package that is appealing to us rather than just one element alone. But that said composition is one of the most important concepts to master when starting your photography journey...so it’s worth getting to grips with a few of our photography composition tips and putting them into practice when shooting. 

<h4>1. Define your subject</h4> 

Photography begins with a subject and that’s that. You’ve raised your camera to snap a photo because there is something that piques your interest, because you’ve seen something that is worthy of a photograph. Be sure to clearly define that subject before snapping. Know what the subject is, and define it within the surroundings. 

<h4>2. Fill the frame</h4> 

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<div><a title="fantasy, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/totomai/2983312157/in/set-72157605548317850/" target="_blank">[imageeffect type="frame" align="aligncenter" width="602" height="402" alt="" url="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Composition-Face.jpg"]</a></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>fantasy</em>
Photo by totomai</p>
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So you know what the subject is, but where does it fit within the frame? For the most part the subject should fill the frame. That is, your subject should have a clearly dominant place within the frame and should clearly stand out from the background. You can easily fill the frame by zooming in digitally or using the “get closer” principle. However you do it, be sure that your subject sits prominently within the composition. 

<h4>3. Evoke interest and emotion with a story</h4> 

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<div><a title="037/365: Sometimes Dreaming Never Lasts., on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/randymstaana/4604292820/in/set-72157623671368329" target="_blank">[imageeffect type="frame" align="aligncenter" width="602" height="402" alt="" url="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Composition-Danbo.jpg"]</a></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>037/365: Sometimes Dreaming Never Lasts.</em>
Photo by Randy Santa-Ana</p>
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A great photo tells a story with a single glance. Your viewer should know almost immediately what is happening in the photo and how the subject fits into that story. People are naturally drawn to something that makes them stop and think, or something they can relate to so the clearer the story or the emotion, the easier it is for them to relate to your image. Draw your viewers in with emotion, and keep them interested with a great story. 

<h4>4. Balance the elements</h4> 

For a visually pleasing composition, try to balance the elements of your image. You could use the rule of thirds as a guideline in this instance, ensuring that small elements and large elements balance each other out by falling on the dividing lines. You can also create balance by off-setting the elements a harmonious composition by utilizing the empty space. 

<h4>5. Work with the light</h4> 

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<div><a title="kisses!, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewevans/5773693477" target="_blank">[imageeffect type="frame" align="aligncenter" width="602" height="402" alt="" url="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Composition-Deer.jpg"]</a></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>kisses!</em>
Photo by andrew evans.</p>
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Composition and light are usually considered two different elements of a great photograph, but by using the light to compliment your composition you will boost the quality of your photo exponentially. To do this, be aware of the direction of your light source. Envision how the light will compliment or deter from the subject, and be calculated with the way you choose to shoot the situation. Play with the light and find unique angles to harness the light for your composition. Take your photos to the next level by working with the light! 
