This photo tip is on the subject of composition.
Composition is the placement of visual elements in an art work, basically meaning of why your photos look a certain way. The way a photo looks or a piece of art is important because it changes how we see it, the emotions it can evoke, and how it tells a story. So learning how to improve your composition can be very important.
The compositional rule of Simplification basically means: “When in doubt leave it out.” Literally, if it isn’t lending to the story your photograph is trying to tell, don’t include in your photo. In portraiture this is key, it literarily tells the viewer that the subject is why this photo is being taken, focus on them. There is nothing to distracted them from your subject.
In landscape photos it can be just as important. For example, you might have a beautiful photo of a field or a mountain, or even a building but when there is something in the photo not adding to the photo, it is just a distraction. So compose those photos without the road sign, car, piece of garbage, or etc. Anything that is taking away from your photo.
This is especially important when photographing close ups. In macro photography this is easy because often the rest is blurred out, but in close ups it can be just about moving the object (or yourself) so that it fills the frame.
This works with any type of photography, on your camera phone or your DSLR. Whether it means you are using a simple background, getting closer to your subject or object, or just cropping your shot during your photo shoot, simplifying is in an important tool.