Pepsiman Loc: New York City

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

It is always about learning the "rules" of composition (rule of Thirds, leading lines, etc.) and learning how and when to break them. The books others have listed are an excellent source of information. Books on breaking from those books about "rules" are harder to come by but do exist.

MrMophoto Loc: Rhode Island "The biggest little"

I read a lot of the arguments for both side of this subject and to me it comes down to what you want from your photographs. If you just want photos to preserve memories, snap away! However, if you aspire to create an artful image that someone could appreciate as "art", than using composition is the foundation you should start with.

[quote=M1911]Any of the 2D art composition books would help. Composition is composition weather photography, painting, drawing or graphic design.

This is absolutely correct. As an art student you learn the principles of composition, they are more like guidelines than rules. Early on I had a professor tell the class, once you learn how to use composition to enhance your work (any art work) you begin to understand how to break with those guidelines and why. All the great painters, sculptures and other artists throughout history studied and understood how composition is vital to any great piece of art. There are innumerous books written on how the great artists in history used composition.
As a photography teacher I would always cover different (I called them) "compositional structures" (division to thirds, leading lines etc) However, I always emphasized that composition isn't the end all in art, Composition is used to enhance the subject. The analogy I used was; first find a subject you really like and want to photograph, then think about what type of composition you can use to really enhance the subject, to make it stand out so that others can see what you saw in the subject. I would finish by saying, Good composition will make any subject better, not using composition will make a snapshot.

jscotthinkle51

Brian Peterson's book is excellent!

MJPerini

In learning Anything, A lot depends on a person's attitude, and where they are on the learning curve.
With regard to composition, it is particularly true. Composition IS a skill, and like all skills can be learned and improved in lots of ways. One way that works is a lifetime of taking serious pictures and studying what seems to work. Lots of people do that. Another is to combine that with active Looking at other peoples Art and Photography.
Still better is some reading or instruction on how artists tell stories and direct the viewer's eye or create depth or atmosphere in a two dimensional painting. There ARE helpful techniques that can be studied and learned to help us tell more effective visual stories. But seek authoritative sources, looking at great art, or Books like the previously mentioned Edgar Payne. And frankly for a person just starting out, Peterson's composition can be helpful.

To be fair, there have been lots of books on composition that are dry, dogmatic and unhelpful, but for those engaged in expressive Art or photography, we should remember that if we are not actively trying to get better and more insightful, we are getting worse. We are each responsible for who we become, getting better takes work.

It is certainly possible to say, "I know what I need to know to get the results I want", and each person gets to make that call for themselves, but know also you could also choose to aim higher. You don't have to, but don't denigrate the efforts of those who do.
So I applaud anyone who has been at this for a long time saying 'Hey maybe I might learn something'
Good for you.

RLSprouse Loc: Encinitas CA (near Sandy Eggo)

I, like you, am an old-time self-taught photographer. In spite of this, I love a good read, and devour lots of books, blogs, and forum posts on all aspects of photography - there's always something to be learned.

I recently came across Mastering the Art of Composition - Ian Plant. Enjoyed the hell out of it. It humbles me that such a young guy can have so much insight.

~ Russ

rdgreenwood Loc: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

At this juncture I believe I've been given the answers I was hoping for, and I thank all who contributed their time and thought. You all have been very generous with your thoughtfulness and suggestions. For those who scoff at the idea of "teaching" composition, I know I cannot change your minds but remind you of the bard's words, "Foul is most foul being foul to be a scoffer."

Eric2018 Loc: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Thanks for sticking to the OP's question. I will check out the Plant book.

kenArchi Loc: Seal Beach, CA

I study the lighting in pictures and try to figure out what types of additional lighting and how it was used.

jagdpanther Loc: Los Angeles

A little late, but my suggestion for the OP question:

"The Photograph Composition and Color Design" 2nd Edition by Harald Mante
published by RockyNook.

photogeneralist Loc: Lopez Island Washington State

I have several pdf composition books. The one that I enjoy most is " Incredibly important Composition Skills " by Photography Concentrate It has 226 pages and is not intimidating (as some how to books can easily become)

User ID

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SHWeiss

Briot has a very good one

roxiemarty Loc: Florida

This is also a very good book for learning composition.

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leinbas Loc: Greenwood,SC

I agree with User ID. I get emails all the time from "professional" photographers promising to reveal their secrets to you for sum of $$$. Many of these people, in my opinion try to reduce photography to a checklist of steps to follow, similar to a "recipie" for preparing a dish of food. In my opinion this takes all the fun and artistic element out of photography. Yes there are some general principles of composition, but they are only general guidelines, not hard fast rules.