Staley Visual Arts Photographers uses the following rules to guide their compositional skills.
By Katie C.
RULE OF THIRDS A guide where the picture frame should be divided into nine boxes, vertically and horizontally divided into thirds. By placing the main subject of the picture in any of the guided thirds rather than the center creates a more exciting composition.
By Vy D.
LEADING LINES Intentionally using line to emphasize or guide the viewer's attention to the focal point.
By Jacqueline W.
SIMPLICITY Composition with a plain background so the main focus of attention is clear.
By Lilly N.
FRAMING An image where the composition captures a natural frame.
By Lincoln M.
VANTAGE POINT A point of view that is out of the ordinary to capture an interesting perspective. For instance, a "bird's eye view" or "bug's eye view."
By Paige B.
An image that covers the whole picture frame. Usually a close up picture (macro) or a picture with few or no negative space.