First off, the key to great pictures is the way you see things around you. Sure, you can use compositional techniques like the Rule of Thirds etc. but it’s a lot more about how you view the world. I will cover simple compositional techniques first and then cover the way you see things.

The Rule of Thirds

This rule basically states that you should avoid placing the main subject of interest dead center. Try placing the subject to the left or right.

Simplicity

Try to keep your photo simple. Get closer; isolate the subject, anything to keep it simple. Complex photos generally aren’t very nice or interesting when done wrong.

Okay, those are simple compositional techniques. Now the fun part … how you see things.

The great photographers see things differently than everyone else. They see art in what looks boring. They see a great picture in a dull landscape. You must start using your imagination when you look at things. Don’t just say “I don’t see a good picture”. Look closer and try to see something magical. Look for something that catches your eye.

For example, you could look at the grass and say…there’s nothing there to take a picture of! Or you could use your imagination and pretend that the grass is a jungle and get really up close and photograph it. Get it shot from a different perspective. Making viewers look at boring subjects in an interesting way is great photography.

Al Sanez has a Free Photo course that teaches beginners digital photography. He also has another free program on how to Sell Your Pictures Online