What Makes an Image Great?
Golden Mean/Rule of Thirds: Both of these definitions have to do with the placement of the focal point of an image. The Golden Mean deals with the ideal position between two extremes, whereas the Rule of Thirds is about placing your focal point in the most natural of positions. Article Link
Balancing Elements: This is when the photographer has achieved a feeling or sense of balance in the image. It can be through the means of colors, objects in the image, the visual weight of items, and much more. Article Link
Leading Lines: This is a way photographers draw your eye to a certain point of the image. As humans, we naturally follow lines with our eyes. Article Link
Symmetry and Patterns: This is the feeling of repetition or evenness that can be created in an image. Breaking the pattern or symmetry can make for a dramatic experience in an image. Article Link
Viewpoint: This is finding the best position/angle to photograph the subject in. Taking a picture from above the subject, or below can drastically change the feelings that are created. Article Link
Background: This is normally considered to be a secondary thought after the main subject itself, but the background serves as a huge part to the overall scene of the image. Backgrounds can have a very aesthetic value to an image and should be consistent with the subject, although the juxtaposition of the two can create a unique feeling. Article Link
Depth: This is how we create a feeling of distance in a two dimensional medium. You do this by including objects in the fore, middle, and background so our eyes can naturally get a feeling of layers and depth. Article Link
Cropping: This is the process of removing parts of an image that do not fit the feeling or just ruin the image all together. Cropping can also be done to make the photo more unique or exotic. Article Link
Composition is the overall photo. It is all the parts above combining, being excluded or used to create the photo. It is the methods that the photographer uses to pull the viewers eye into the photo and lock their gaze. Good photos use many different methods to complete the composition of the photo.
