Every photograph must have five things:

Dominant Subject

1.     It must have a main or dominant subject. This does not mean just a large object in the center of the frame. It may be small—less than 1/100th of the entire area—but it must be the main center of attention. Secondary subjects can surround or support the main one, but they should not compete with it. You must be selective in the placement of everything you include in the frame.

Logical Placement Within the Frame

2.     If a supporting subject is too near the lens or too near the edge of the frame, or too high or too low, it may lessen the overall impact. Objects must be placed logically.

Cohesion

3.     Cohesion is important. The elements of the image are held together by an intangible balance brought about through use of proper camera angle, lens choice, subject motion and position, and much more. Your job is to use all your resources to fit all the parts together without dividing the viewer’s interest.

Color or Contrast Balance

4.     Bright colors and high contrast changes are real eye-snaggers. These areas must be subdued or worked into the composition so that they pull the other elements together rather than creating a hot spot.

Nothing Else

5.     That’s not always the easiest one of the bunch. It takes a conscious effort and a lot of shooting to arrive at the point where everything in the picture is noticed. Every detail must be dealt with. Many a telephone pole or tree branch has suddenly “appeared” in the finished picture, growing from some dear lady’s ear. The crack photographer will notice every detail before he or she releases the shutter.