Give the frame a clear subject

Use edges, layers, and negative space to guide the eye.

Ask what you want someone to notice first. A strong composition begins with a clear answer, whether the subject is a mountain, a small tree, or a pattern of shadows.

Check all four edges before taking the photograph. Move a little to separate overlapping shapes and remove distractions. The rule of thirds is a useful starting exercise, but symmetry or a centered subject may better fit your scene.

Try three frames: a wide view with context, a medium view that isolates the subject, and a close detail. Change your position before reaching for the zoom.

Practice: make one frame with generous negative space and another with the subject filling the image. Compare how each affects the sense of scale.