"When you make a picture... first, ask, 'what does the subject matter express?' Then, ask, 'how does the subject express it?' Answering these two questions, in this order, is the first step in deciding how to compose a photograph. The purpose of good composition or visual design is to let the subject matter express the subject in your photograph...

 

"What should happen when you make a photograph is what happens in nature: The subject matter expresses [a] theme, and the person who sees it responds. Your task as a photographer is to make sure that the [theme] you have chosen is expressed as clearly as possible in your pictures..."

 

Freeman Patterson, Photography and the Art of Seeing

Thank you for using any photos within the terms of Creative Commons (i.e., not trying to profit from it) and for sending me a link to where you've used it.