The basics of composition

While laying out this book, I thought it was prudent at this point to introduce some of the artistic aspects of photo editing, as cropping is a major theme in composition. When we discuss composition, we are referring to, in this case, how the visual elements of the image are laid out (not about taking multiple images and combining them, which we will get to in the next chapter).

To get more ideas on cropping images and creating great compositions, you should start studying photographs of master photographers, studying the old master painters (illustrators), and just start studying the fundamentals of design compositions to improve image editing and creating.

How you crop and where you put the focal points in your composition drastically affects how your viewer travels through your image. Do not overlook the fact that they are taking a journey when evaluating the image. We have covered a few of the universally accepted principles for composition as we...