Rule of Thirds - Using a 3x3 grid, the rule of thirds is a go-to idea when composing shots for photogrpahy.  The guideline proposes that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections. Photographers should have their focal points land on the corners on the center square as well. (Wikipedia)
A photograph, when using the rule of thirds, can feel off due to empty space on the opposite sides. This cause the photograph to become off-kilter and lose the impact of off-centered subject matter. To compensate, photographers must balance in one of two ways: Formal and Informal. Formal balancing uses symmetry to create balance with identical or similar subjects. Informal balancing uses asymmetry and is more difficult to spot. (SLRLounge)
Leading lines are directions for eyes to follow. The lines creates a path to direct the eyes through the image and each element, hopefully returning to the starting point and continuously looping the viewer infinitely. (Digital Photography School)
Symmetry and patterns create a visual rhythm in a photographs to make viewing have a greater impact and fluidity. Use them to help the eye wander, then create tension by breaking the path with a focal point.
A viewpoint are the different angles and distances that photographer uses for an image. Viewpoints can create a sense of illusion and magic that adds interest and stylizes an image. (eHow)
A background are elements that aren’t highlighted in photographs. They are still as important as they can give visual clues to follow, strengthen the foreground elements, and can have their own style that compliments the image. (iDigtalPhoto)
Depth deals with how far back a photo goes to show focus on elements. A shallow depth is focused on the closest elements and far depth is focused on the further elements. (Digital Photography School)
Framing creates a border around elements for viewers to focus on. Anything outside the frame should be considered background elements. Architectural elements are commonly used for framing in photography. (Click it Up a Notch)
Cropping is a tool used to remove unwanted elements from the image that can be distracting or not important (like photo-bombers). Cropping can also be used to reduce a photo’s size to give more emphasis to what the photographer wants to show.
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