What do I include in the composition?

Rule #1 - Do not try to put everything into a single image.

An image must have only one subject. It is difficult if not impossible to photograph your friend and the entire front of a cathedral at the same time. In the best case, the monument will be visible but the person will be reduced to a little silhouette that is more distracting than interesting. Better to first photograph the cathedral, then take a portrait of the person with the monument in the background, even if we can only see part of it or it is out of focus. After all, it's the portrait that counts.



Figure 1: In front of Beaubourg

The Beaubourg center, out of focus and partially visible, is only suggested. That's enough to geographically situate a person.

Rule #2 - Get rid of everything that is not necessary.

When you compose your picture, ask yourself whether what is in the frame contributes something to the image. If the answer is no, change the framing by moving or getting closer (or zooming in) to eliminate the undesirable element.

Resist the temptation to re-frame using photo touch-up software after you take the shot. First because re-framing inevitably causes loss of resolution (several thousand pixels are quite simply eliminated) and above all because discipline while taking pictures pays off: you will quickly frame the image correctly and acquire a professional eye.



Figure 2: Katmandu

Close-up framing. In this Katmandu street scene, all elements contribute something to the image. It's impossible to cut out anything.