What does "Composition" mean when people are using it in photography lingo.

[TheUndisputed]

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Ah, my eyes have deceived me. I didn't even see that

 

[chadsdphoto]

I realize I'm basically restating what others have said, but.... :blushing:

To me composition is choosing what is going to be in the photo and what is not going to be in the photo, and then arranging those things where you want them. Once you realize that you are doing that each time you put the camera to your eye, you then get better and better at it.

Using the "rule of thirds," leading lines, converging lines, placement of bright areas and dark areas, depth of field, etc. can all be included in composition.

I hope that helps, but I also hope it leads to more questions, because that's how we all learn.

Good luck shooting!

 

[Big Mike]

Here are some links that might be useful...
Rule of thirds - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Golden ratio - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gestalt Principles
Design Notes: Gestalt

 

[ksmattfish]

The photographer can control composition at three points in the creation of a photograph. Before the exposure is made the scene can be arranged. At the exposure with the choice of format, lens, and location of the camera in relation to the scene/subject matter. And after the exposure in the processing, printing, and beyond (mixed media, collage, etc...).

http://photoinf.com/

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=composition+eye+placement+portrait

 

[Marmeduke]

I think composition is often something that gets 'over-thought'. Most people take pictures fairly instinctively with some notion of what often makes for a strong image. Your picture here is quite striking and bleak in its composition, with the swing fairly central, tree looming over it, and featureless foreground and background. Sometimes people use 'composition' as a lazy catch all term for any characteristic of a photo! I've got a page explaining composition at http://www.photography-art-cafe.com/photography-composition.html.