Fibonacci

Most of us have been brought up on the "Rule of Thirds" but if we stick rigidly to this rule some of our images look a bit crowded, being so close to the edge of our image. There are other rules based on Fibonacci numbers made famous by Leonardo Fibonacci in 1200AD.  They are known as Golden Ratio, Phi or Divine Proportion and also the Fibonacci Spiral.

The ratios of thirds are 1: 1: 1, whereas the ratios of Fibonacci Rule are 1: 0.618 : 1.

By using the Fibonacci ratio as an element of design you will achieve a strong balanced composition which will draw the viewers eye into your image and also guide them around your image by the Fibonacci Spiral. As this seems rather a complex method on first sight, I suggest you Google "Fibonacci In Photography" and you will find many examples, explanations and Tutorials on how this system works. I'm sure you will find the effort well worthwhile. Lightroom 3 has a Phi grid that you can overlay your images when cropping. you will also find numerous diagrams of the Fibonacci Ratio and Spiral.