Tip: Avoid the middle of the frame

A sure giveaway of a newbie photographer is a picture that neatly centers the subject smack dab in the middle of the frame. Here’s a tip: Avoid the middle as much as you can.

Classic rules of composition divide the viewing area into thirds: Two lines divide the vertical and horizontal dimensions of your photograph. Where the vertical and horizontal lines cross are where the subject tends to look best. While this rule is not always hard and fast, you’ll find that most photos taken by competent photographers place the subject in the vicinity of these intersections.

There will be times when a symmetrical composition is called for with a subject centered either vertically or horizontally in the frame, but for now, concentrate on getting your subjects out of the center.

Photographs © 2007 James Jordan. Click on pictures to enlarge.