Photography composition is the art of arranging elements in a photograph to create a visually pleasing image. The basic principles of composition can be applied to any type of photography, whether it's landscape, portrait, or still life. 
The rules of composition are guidelines that photographers use to create visually pleasing and impactful images. Some of the most widely used rules of composition include: 

The Rule of Thirds 

The Rule of Thirds is one of the most basic and widely used composition techniques in photography. It states that an image should be divided into thirds horizontally and vertically, creating a grid of nine equal parts. This creates four points of intersection, which are considered the most significant points in the image. 

The Rule of Thirds states that the subject of the photograph should be placed at one of these intersections, rather than in the center of the image. This creates tension and interest in the photograph, as the subject is not in the expected center of the image. The off-center placement of the subject also leads the viewer's eye naturally through the photograph. 

For example, if you are taking a landscape photograph, placing the horizon on the top or bottom third line rather than in the center can create a more dynamic image. Similarly, if you are taking a portrait photograph, placing the subject's eyes on the top third line rather than in the center can create a more interesting image. 

The Rule of Thirds is not a hard and fast rule. Instead, it's a guideline, and it's helpful to experiment with different compositions and see what works best for the photograph you are trying to capture. Sometimes it's best to break the rules and go with what feels natural to you and your personal style. 

Keep in mind that this rule can be applied to any type of photography, whether it's landscape, portrait, or still life. It's a good starting point, but it's not the only rule to follow, and it's wise to explore other composition techniques as well. 

The golden ratio 

The Golden Ratio, also known as the Divine Proportion or the Golden Mean, is a mathematical ratio that is believed to be aesthetically pleasing. It is often used in art and design. The ratio is approximately 1:1.618, and it is often represented by the Greek letter phi (φ). 

In photography, the Golden Ratio can be applied by dividing the image into sections using the ratio of 1:1.618 and placing the subject at one of the intersections. This creates an image that is visually balanced and pleasing to the eye. 

One way to apply the Golden Ratio in photography is to use the Fibonacci spiral, a spiral that is based on the Golden Ratio. The Fibonacci spiral can be overlaid on the photograph, and the subject can be placed at one of the intersections. 

The Golden Ratio can also be applied by dividing the image into sections using the ratio of 1:1.618 and placing the subject at one of the intersections. This creates an image that is visually balanced and pleasing to the eye. 

Like the Rule of Thirds, is a guideline and it's important to experiment with different compositions and see what works best for the photograph you are trying to capture.

It's worth noting that while the Golden Ratio can be a useful tool for composition, it's not necessary to strictly adhere to it in every photograph. The most relevant thing is to create an image that is visually pleasing and that effectively communicates your intended message. 

Leading lines 

Leading lines are lines within the frame that guide the viewer's eye through the photograph and can be used to create a sense of depth or movement. These lines can be actual lines, such as roads or railways, or they can be implied lines, such as the edge of a river or a diagonal line created by the edge of a building. 

Leading lines can be used to direct the viewer's gaze to the main subject of the photograph. They can also be used to convey a sense of depth by drawing the viewer's eye into the background. For example, a road leading into the distance can create a sense of depth and draw the viewer's eye towards the horizon.

Leading lines can also be used to create a sense of movement, such as a winding road or a stream. This can add dynamism and energy to the image. 

Leading lines can be used in any type of photography, whether it's landscape, portrait, or still life. It's imperative to pay attention to the placement of leading lines in the frame, as they can make or break the composition of an image. A leading line that is placed incorrectly or cut off by the edge of the frame can be distracting, while a well-placed leading line can enhance the image. 

It's worth noting that leading lines are not always obvious, and sometimes they may be subtle, like a curve in a path or the direction of a gaze. It's important to be aware of them and to use them to your advantage. 

In summary, leading lines are powerful composition tools that can be used to guide the viewer's eye through the photograph, create a sense of depth, movement and dynamic to the image. They can be actual or implied lines, and it's helpful to pay attention to their placement in the frame. 

Diagonals 

A diagonal is a line that slants from one corner of the frame to another. In photography, diagonals create a sense of movement and can be used to lead the viewer's eye through the photograph. They also add dynamism and energy to the image. 

Diagonals can be created by a variety of elements such as a line in a road, the edge of a building or a diagonal angle of a tree. They can also be created by the angle at which the photograph is taken, such as a photograph taken at a low angle or a high angle. 

Diagonals can be used to create a sense of depth by leading the viewer's eye into the background. For example, a diagonal line framed by the edge of a building can create a sense of depth and lead the viewer's eye towards the horizon. Similarly, a diagonal line created by a tree can create a sense of depth and lead the viewer's eye into the background. 

Diagonals can also be used to create a sense of movement, such as a winding road or a stream. This can add dynamism and energy to the image. 

Diagonals can be used in any type of photography, whether it's landscape, portrait, or still life. They can be powerful composition tools that can make an image more dynamic and interesting. It's important to pay attention to the placement of diagonals in the frame, as they can make or break the composition of an image. A diagonal that is placed incorrectly or cut off by the edge of the frame can be distracting, while a well-placed diagonal can enhance the image. 

In summary, diagonals are powerful composition tools that can be used to create a sense of movement and depth. They can also be used to lead the viewer's eye through the photograph, and add dynamism and energy to the image. They can be created from a variety of elements, such as lines, angles or shapes, and it's important to pay attention to their placement in the frame to make the most of their potential. 

Symmetry and asymmetry 

Symmetry is the use of balanced elements in a photograph, where the elements on one side of the image are mirrored on the other side. This creates a sense of balance and harmony in the photograph and can make the image feel stable and calm. Examples of symmetry in photography include reflections in water, a symmetrical building or a person standing in the center of the frame. 

Asymmetry, on the other hand, is the use of unbalanced elements in a photograph. This can create tension and interest in the photograph and can make the image feel dynamic and energetic. Examples of asymmetry in photography include a person standing off-center in the frame, a diagonal line or a foreground element that is larger on one side than the other. 

It's pertinent to note that both symmetry and asymmetry can be effective when used correctly. It depends on what you want to communicate through your photograph. Symmetry can give a sense of calmness and order, while asymmetry can add tension and interest. 

In general, the key is to experiment with different compositions and see what works best for the photograph you are trying to capture. Sometimes it's best to break the rules and go with what feels natural to you and your personal style. 

Balance 

Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight within the frame. A balanced photograph will have elements of similar visual weight on either side of the frame. 

There are two types of balance in photography: symmetrical and asymmetrical. 

Symmetrical balance is achieved when elements on one side of the frame are mirrored on the other side. This creates a sense of equilibrium and stability in the photograph. Symmetrical balance can be used to create a sense of calmness and order and can be achieved by placing the subject in the centre of the frame. 

Asymmetrical balance is achieved when elements on one side of the frame are not mirrored on the other side. This creates a sense of tension and movement in the photograph. Asymmetrical balance can be used to create a sense of dynamism and energy and can be achieved by placing the subject off-center in the frame. 

It's worthwhile noting that balance does not necessarily mean that the elements in the photograph have to be perfectly symmetrical or perfectly asymmetrical. It's about creating a sense of equilibrium in the photograph, regardless of the placement of the elements. 

In addition to the balance of visual weight, it's also crucial to pay attention to the balance of colour, texture and tonal values. A photograph with a good balance of these elements will be more pleasing to the eye. 

Simplicity 

Simplicity in photography refers to the use of a clear subject and minimal distractions in the photograph. A simple composition can create a strong and impactful image by focusing the viewer's attention on the main subject of the photograph. 

Simplicity can be achieved by eliminating unnecessary elements from the frame, such as distracting backgrounds. This can be done by using a shallow depth of field to blur the background and make the subject stand out. It can also be achieved by using a minimalistic color palette, or by focusing on a single, strong element in the photograph. 

Simplicity can be used to create a sense of elegance, purity and serenity in the photograph. It allows the viewer to focus on the main subject and the message that the photographer wants to convey. 

Simplicity does not mean that a photograph should be dull or uninteresting. A simple photograph can be just as powerful and impactful as a complex one, if not more so. A simple photograph can be visually striking, and it can communicate a message more effectively. 

Frame within a frame 

This technique involves using elements in the foreground, such as trees, branches, arches, or windows, to frame the main subject of the photograph. This creates a sense of depth and guides the viewer's eye to the main subject. 

The frame within a frame technique can be used to create a sense of intimacy, as it can make the subject appear closer and more personal. It can also create a sense of context, by showing the subject in relation to its surroundings. 

Using a frame within a frame can add depth and interest to an image. It can also be used to draw attention to the main subject of the photograph. The frame can be used to create a sense of tension, by suggesting that the subject is contained within it. 

The frame within a frame technique can be used in any type of photography, whether it's landscape, portrait, or still life. It's imperative to pay attention to the placement of the frame within the frame, as it can make or break the composition of an image. A frame that is placed incorrectly or cut off by the edge of the frame can be distracting, while a well-placed frame can enhance the image. 

It's worth noting that the frame within a frame does not have to be literal. Instead, it can be implied as well, like using a doorway or a window to frame the subject. 

Negative space 

Negative space, also known as white space, is the area around the main subject of the photograph. This empty space can be used to create a sense of balance and to emphasize the subject. 

Negative space can be used to create a sense of simplicity and minimalism in the photograph. It can also be used to create a sense of calmness and tranquility. By leaving negative space around the subject, the viewer's eye is drawn to the subject, and the subject becomes the focal point of the photograph. 

Negative space can also be used to create a sense of movement or direction, by leaving space in the frame for the subject to move into. This can add dynamism and energy to the image. 

Negative space can be used in any type of photography, whether it's landscape, portrait, or still life. It's important to pay attention to the placement of negative space in the frame, as it can make or break the composition of an image. Negative space that is placed incorrectly or cut off by the edge of the frame can be distracting, while well-placed negative space can enhance the image. 

It's worth noting that negative space can be of any colour, not only white, and it can be used creatively to add interest to the photograph. 

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and the most relevant thing is to experiment and find what works best for the photograph you are trying to capture.