1- rule of third- place focal objects at 1/3 or 2/3 of the frame horizontally or vertical.
2-balance elements-if certain things are heavily emphasized on one side of the image try to incorporate another element.
3-horizon line- if horizon- if horizon line is present place it above or below horizontal center or frame.
4- simplify and fill the frame- with the focus of the image so viewers know what they need to be looking at.
5-use lines- (walls, fences, telephone lines, etc) to help guide viewers eyes towards what they should be looking at.
6-frame within a frame- use archways windows caves branches etc. to create a natural frame that further emphasizes focal point of image.
7-depth- capture foreground middle ground and background to create a sense of depth.
8-symmetry/ patterns- look for symmetry patterns and capture an image or moment that breaks the sense of other.
9-color/texture- look for contrasting colors/texture/or an unexpected splash of color for a dynamic image.
one the rules are kwon is not necessary to be afraid to break the rules!