Most photographs follow the basic rules of composition. In the majority of cases, a photographer using the ‘rule of thirds’ technique will produce an image with more interest and energy than a composition made by simply centering the subject.

The ‘rule of thirds’ philosophy calls for visualizing an image as divided into nine equal parts – divided by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines. Important elements of the composition should be placed either along those lines or their intersections.

Yet the situation, especially in wildlife photography, sometimes calls for thinking outside the box when composing a photograph. If you have a compelling reason for ignoring the rules, go for it. Leave room for your subject animal to swim or run or fly. Animals do not always sit still to have their picture taken. Convey their speed and elusiveness by composing the photograph just as they’re about to exit the frame. On the other hand, sometimes it makes sense to center the subject, especially in the case of close-up animal portraits.

Ordinarily, the horizon should be one third to two thirds of the way down the image frame. It’s balanced, and one can decide where the majority of interest should be placed. But if the sky is the major story, it deserves overemphasis. Showing the sky over the low-as-possible horizon line conveys power and vastness.

When the subject animal is looking directly into the camera, the photographer becomes part of the picture. When the animal is looking away, it appears oblivious to the camera – looking away at something else which each viewer’s imagination can interpret.