composition techniques(further research)

these are a few techniques I've got from http://photography.tutsplus.com/articles/14-composition-techniques-that-will-instantly-improve-your-photos--photo-7978

1. don't try to be perfect-
look at it as an art form, you'll never each the point of complete perfection.
there is such thing as well and badly composed photos.

2. simplicity-
make sure you have a low amount of points of interest.
the shots with fewest points of interest and simplest composition tend to look the most effective.

3. rule of thirds-
divide frame into thirds(vertically and horizontally. this will give 9 sections).
for landscape photography the horizon could be on the lower line and the top of a mountain range for example, be on the top line.
for portrait photography the eyes could be placed on the upper line where the two vertical lines cross the horizontal.

4. landscape composition-
make a decision on what yours shots about. for example, water, mountains, sunset, horizon or rocks in foreground.
make sure theres layers within the image for example, using the rule of thirds make sure one layer has a foreground and background etc. this adds depth and scale to the image.
make sure the focal point is priority.

5. lines-
are used to add drama.
horizontal and vertical lines tend to be strongest when using this technique. curved lines give the photo a more relaxed feel.
using lines as a path way to the focal point of the image add up for great effect. for example, working its way from a bottom corner through the image and up into the opposite back corner.
pathways, railways, rivers, roads are all examples of objects that can be used to create lines.
when working with vertical and horizontal lines make sure the shot is straight!
this can be solved by a spirit level on your camera or post editing software (photoshop).

6. framing-
framing a subject is the basis of a strong composition.
make sure the focal point is to one side because often if you put it in the centre then it look odd.
saying that portraits tend to be most dramatic when the subject is central.
experimentation is key!

7. negative space-
much like making the composition simple this also implements the key aspect of giving the viewer that on or few points of interest.
when photoing a lamp post photograph the sky in the background rather than the sidewalk, road etc.

8. layering-
foreground interest is the easiest way to make layers. for example, using the first candle on a birthday cake as the focal point and the further the candles go the more out of focus they get.

9. symmetry and pattern-
used for powerful architectural photos.
take time to examine the area and notify any patterns or lines of symmetry.
avoid any external distractions that spoil this effect.