One could probably write an entire book on the anatomy of a good photograph...and the first chapter in that book would probably be on composition. Composition is the process of seeing, identifying, organizing, and framing the individual elements of a particular scene to create a pleasing photograph. Essentially, it is the way you arrange the elements of your photo in the camera's viewfinder. Of course, this also includes the angle at which you hold your camera to take the photo.

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<div><a title="Cool reflections shot in the Maroon Belle Peaks Wilderness by Frank Kovalchek, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72213316@N00/4475269390/">[imageeffect type="frame" align="aligncenter" width="441" height="640" alt="" url="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Reflection.jpg"]</a></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Cool reflections shot in the Maroon Belle Peaks Wilderness</em>
Photo by Frank Kovalcheke</p>
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This may sound like a pretty simple concept in theory. But in practice, composing a beautiful, emotional, or striking photograph can be far more challenging than it seems. Composing a photo is creating a "vision" or an "impression" of how you the photographer sees a particular scenario. Composition is much more than just arranging the elements in your photo. It also takes into consideration the lighting, the depth of field, the foreground and the background.

As a photographer, you take photos to tell a story. And to help the people who view your photograph to understand how you felt when taking the photo. The whole point is to ensure that the people who view your photos understand the message you are trying to convey. How? By directing their attention to a specific point of interest within the picture.

Now the question is: Are there any strict rules to be followed as far as composition is concerned? In short, no. There is actually no right or wrong composition in photography. But there are a few things to keep in mind as useful guidelines:
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	<li><strong>Determine the most important element of the scene.</strong>
The idea here is to highlight the important element by making it the focal point of your image. You want to draw the viewers eye to the focal point by giving it importance within the composition.</li>
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	<li><strong>Do not place the subject in the dead center of the image.</strong>
Placing your subject in the dead center can occasionally work, but for the most part the eye is naturally drawn to the left or the right of an image first. There is a useful principle called the Rule of Thirds that relates directly to this idea. The Rule of Thirds states that if you imagined that the image were divided into nine equal parts - two horizontal and three vertical that the subject of the image should be placed along the intersection of those lines. Take a look at the example below.</li>
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	<li><strong>Avoid putting too much content in the frame. </strong>
Simplicity is key. When framing a shot, your focus should be on the main subject. Try to avoid unnecessary elements that may distract your viewers from the focal point.</li>
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	<li><strong>Fill the frame.</strong>
Get in close or zoom in to your subject to fill the frame. Of course try not to crowd the subject but at the same time avoid insignificant space around the subject if possible.</li>
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	<li><strong>Use the environment around you.</strong>
Framing your subject with objects around you such as overhanging branches, windows, and doorways can make for a more interesting photograph.</li>
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