Composition

• Simplicity. Simplicity is the avoidance of elements that distract from the main subject. The picture is arranged so that the subject is the center of interest. Uncomplicated backgrounds and moving in close help simplify the picture.
  
  
• Rule of Thirds. Imaginary lines dividing the picture into thirds horizontally and vertically serve as guides for the off-center placement of the subject and/or horizon.
  
  
• Lines. Lines guide the viewer’s attention.
  
  
• Balance. Balance is the arrangement of picture elements to complement one another so that the photograph looks well-balanced. Balance can be symmetrical or nonsymmetrical.
  
  
• Framing. The center of interest is framed with objects in the foreground, giving the picture added dimension and interest.
  
  
• Mergers. Objects or borders that merge with the main subject steal attention from the center of interest. Choosing plain backgrounds and carefully framing the subject in the viewfinder can avoid mergers.
  

Design

• Line. Line is the path traced by a point moving through space. Diagonal lines are dynamic, vertical lines tend to be strong, horizontal lines tend to be at rest, and curved lines tend to be graceful.
  
  
• Shape. Shape is the general outline of an object and is two-dimensional.
  
  
• Form. Form is the three-dimensional equivalent of shape and is reproduced in a photo by creating highlights and shadows.
  
  
• Texture. Texture is the degree of roughness or smoothness of a surface or object. It can be accentuated by side lighting.
  
  
• Space. Space is the sense of distance. Three-dimensional space can be represented in a photo by perspective, framing, aerial viewpoints, or reflections.
  
  
• Value. Value is the degree of lightness or darkness of a color.
  
  
• Color. Color can emphasize unity or contrast of the various picture elements. Different colors and color combinations have different visual and psychological effects.