Framing and Composition

Framing and Composition from Videopia on Vimeo.

Placing the subject off-center often makes the composition more dynamic and interesting.

Even if your subject fills the frame, the most important part of the subject

(for example, the eyes in a portrait) should not be dead center.

To frame the center of interest with objects in the foreground. This can give a picture the feeling of depth it needs to make it more than just another snapshot. Whether or not you use a frame for a picture will depend on each new subject. What you choose as a frame for the scene will, of course, vary as well.
Compose your photograph so that your reason for taking the picture is clearly seen. Arrange other parts of the picture area in such a way as to complement what you choose to be the center of interest

The rule of thirds

You can use the rule of thirds as a guide in the off-center placement of your subjects. Here's how it works.

Before you snap the picture, imagine your picture area divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically. The intersections of these imaginary lines suggest four options for placing the center of interest for good composition. The option you select depends upon the subject and how you would like that subject to be presented.

Rule of Thirds Video: