“The Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Composition” by Photography Wired covers the first major step in moving from taking snapshots to making photographs: learning how to compose your shots.

Do you have a desire to move on from taking snapshots? Just got a camera, or had one a while but don’t think you’re using it as wisely as you could? Let’s have a little look at composition then. There’s a few things to think about, or look for, when you’re taking a photograph which should help elevate your snapshots to an all new level.

The article covers three major rules of composition: the rule of thirds, leading lines and negative space. And then there’s my favorite aspect of gaining an understanding of the rules of composition: once you know ’em, break ’em.