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The Rule of ThirdsOne of the best-known rules of composition is the "rule of thirds." Simply stated, you want to arrange your photo such that major focal points are positioned one-third from the top, bottom, or side of the frame. Sometimes a focal point is an object, like a mountain, and sometimes it's the border between two objects, like the horizon or shoreline. Beginning photographers have a tendency to center objects in their viewfinder. This isn't as appealing to the eye as it would be if those objects were off-center. I once read someone's advice that there should be nothing of interest in the center of your photo. This person suggested that you cover the center of your viewfinder with a dot of paper to help you learn to keep subjects out of there.
Taking this guideline further, think of your frame as a 3x3 grid. Positioning objects on the lines - or intersection of lines - is desired. In the photo at right, notice how the horizon, rocks, and other focal points fall on the lines - or even the intersection of the lines. This gives the photo balance, and makes it easy for the viewer's eye to see the whole photograph.
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