SOGroovy 101
Framing & Composition
  
Cameras come in...
many shapes...
Selective vision
we choose where to *point* our camera
we choose what to *exclude*
we choose what to *include*
we choose where to *focus*
simplicity: remove clutter
Know your subject
Backround: distracting?
Angle: try a fresh view
Get close!
...no, closer!
Border patrol: monitor frame edges
leading with lines
Rule of 3rds: seeking balance
Nose room, lead room, head room
center frame is *generally* hostile territory: except for closeups
Framing
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by Joel Galbraith
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Some material derived from:
http://www1.nikonusa.com/slrlearningcenter/article_06.php
Photographs: Joel D. Galbraith

Video Resource:
http://www.howcast.com/videos/114390-How-To-Take-Great-Photographs
prinicples of composition
Rule of Thirds: Basics
Imagine a tic-tac-toe grid over your frame...place your subject where the lines intersect.
An off-center *subject* is more compelling
An off-center *horizon line* is more compelling
...thanks
But they all share one common function...
and sizes
...they create
Goal:
Learn techniques to increase your ratio of good pictures--those worth keeping 
Know Your Subject:
you should always know what you want it to be. If you don’t, viewers of the image won't either, and they won't know what you're trying to say with the photo
The subject is not always so clear, as in a large group or some landscapes
Always consider the impact the background will have on the image. It shouldn't detract from the subject by being confusing or cluttered
Look for simple elements and patterns
Crouching low or getting up high—putting yourself somewhere other than at eye level—will often improve an image
"If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough."
-Robert Capa
Leading with Lines:
Lines are powerful ways to orient the viewers' eyes around your image.  Look for and use lines in the scene to draw the viewer to your subject.  Avoid lines that divide the image vertically or horizontally down the center.
Strong lines lead toward the barn
Watch your image edges for distracting elements--they may appear to come out of your subject's head.
...or where an object in the center is nicely framed by surrounding elements
Nose, Lead and Head Room:
Leave enough room in front of your subject's direction of gaze (nose room) or movement(lead room).  Dont place subjects on the edge of the frame looking out.
Leave some room above their heads.  Don't put the top of a head at the edge of the frame--better to leave off a good portion of the head.

A Final Note on "Rules"
What is presented here are (tried and true) guidelines.  
Following them will increase the number of your photographs worth keeping...BUT, they are guidelines. Once you understand the rules, you'll find many successful instances when they can be mindfully abandoned.
Framing:
Framing usually occurs with objects in the image (tree trunks, branches, buildings etc.).  
These objects "frame" the subject, and help close (some of) the edges of the image to focus the viewer's attention on the subject.
Start by clicking the right arrow