Most people taking snapshots rarely think of how to compose a photograph – they just like to point and shoot. More often than not, those photos don’t have the greatest composition.

Of course, you can do the same and end up with perfectly acceptable photos. However, how much nicer would it be to have photos that truly stand out above the rest. Oftentimes, when people look at a photo and say they really like it, or comment about how extraordinarily great it is, they are seeing the results of good composition.

For centuries, the world’s greatest artists have known this secret. From Rembrandt to Picasso, the same rules apply. In fact, even though you may not care for an artist’s style, you may find yourself drawn to the picture for reasons you can’t explain. Generally, that is because the picture is composed correctly. If the composition isn’t right, all the colors in the world won’t make it great.

Here are three tips to help you stand out from the rest …

The Divine Proportion (also called the Golden Ratio or Rule of Thirds). This is the Holy Grail of good design. There is a “divine proportion” – first noted in 500 BC and mathematically stated as 1.6180…. — that occurs abundantly in nature. It has been discovered in the human body, seashells such as the nautilus, the spirals of hurricanes and galaxies, even in flight patterns of falcons diving on prey.

Renaissance artists used the formula it to create paintings, sculpture and architecture. In modern times, it has been restated as the “Rule of Thirds.” As you compose your photo in your viewfinder, imagine lines drawn into thirds – horizontally and vertically – across the image. As you do, place important elements of your composition – a face, a tree, whatever your primary subject is — where these lines intersect.

Take charge! Too often, people see something that looks like it will be a good photo, and when they look through the viewfinder, the shot they thought they had disappears. You can correct this by moving your body location relative to the subject. Also, you zoom in or out. This works with any type of subject.

Or, you may be photographing a person or group of people. Don’t be shy about asking them to move around a bit in order to get great composition. They’ll appreciate your forethought when they see the wonderful photo of themselves!

Watch the background. When it comes to backgrounds, there are a couple basics that you should always look for. Be sure something in the background – a sign, or tree – isn’t directly behind the head of your subject. If your subject is wearing a green dress, don’t photograph her against a green wall. Bottom line: Always be sure to check the background before clicking the shutter, just to be sure nothing is distracting from your image.

A few other background tips: Fill the frame with your subject and eliminate a problem background completely; put your subject in front of an open background instead of a wall; use your aperture settings (if your camera allows) to blur the background.

By using these basic composition tips, you’ll find yourself taking more great photographs!

You might also like:

• Improve Your Photography Composition

• Nature Photography – Five Tips For Great Rainforest Photos

• Better Photo Tips: Lines In Your Photos