Learning to are of ‘seeing’ or 'visualizing' opens new doors for creating compelling photographs. The process to discovering the secrets of seeing rest on the revealing journey into the psychology of 'seeing'. Of course most of us can see in the conventional sense, but most of us don't 'see' in the creative sense because, quite simply, we are blind to it. Learning to open your eyes, and mind, to the vast and inspiring world of the elements of design and their emotional messages: Line, Texture, Color and Pattern become intuitive tools in composing interesting pictures. These very elements are at the root of artistic vision and having your eyes opened to them will unleash a level of visual perception of the world around you in ways you had never before imagined.

Many times when approaching making a photograph, simply turning around to seek a different point of view will offer another creative opportunity.  That doesn't mean the initial impetus for making a picture is wrong, only that many times considering another angle or perspective or framing with a different foreground might make another great picture.

The Rule of Thirds - a basic beginning
► The simple idea of dividing the scene into 1/3 segments both horizontally and vertically creates a grid with the image broken into nine blocks.  The intersections of the grid lines create 4 distinct reference points within the frame.  Framing the scene to align the most interesting or significant elements at or close to one of the 4 intersecting lines usually results in a pleasing image composition.  Try framing the scene using each of the 4 points to view the result and select the most favorable composition.  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.

► Using the grid also suggests diagonal alignments from the corners of the frame to and through the grid points.  Notice how the diagonal framing in this image uses the direction of the light through the arch to create a dramatic composition.  The diagonal composition can be used to suggest or reinforce motion, action or to emphasize dynamic elements in the scene.  The result is that the composition directs the eye to particular image elements.

► You should always consider the path of moving subjects and, generally, leave space in front of them into which they can move.

► You can also apply the rule of thirds to guide the placement of the horizon.  While the setup in the photograph of the arch limited the camera position, attention keeping the horizon close to the lower third line aides the dynamic feel of the direction of light and shadow in the image.  At times, you may find that aligning the horizon toward the top of the frame can lend a dynamic quality to the final image.  Keeping the horizon from the center position avoids an otherwise static feeling. Try different horizon line placements to discover what you find most pleasing each time a horizon presents a challenge.

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