Years ago, artists who had been born with an innate sense of design created works that were perceived, by other skilled artists, as having good composition. Not only that, but their works were very popular with the general public and art afficionados.

Analysis of such works showed patterns and trends in the organization and inter-relationships of lines, shapes, forms and colors that were recognized as contributing to the effectiveness of the works. It was found that others could employ these patterns as techniques in improving their own works. When they were defined, they became known as the rules of composition.

1. Place your main element away from distracting backgrounds like tree branches or bright colours.

2. If a person is looking or moving sideways, leave room on that side of the image to allow for their gaze or movement.

3. Rule of Thirds: for more dynamic feel, place the most important element at one of the intersections of the "thirds" (one third distance from the top (or bottom), one third distance from the side)

4. On landscape images; move the horizon line from the center to add more impact to either the ground or the sky.

5. Add depth to an image with elements in foreground, middle ground and background.

Continued in part 3

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