Composition

Rule of Thirds

(http://amyshealthybaking.com/blog/2013/04/26/food-photo-composition-rule-of-thirds/)

 The 'Rule of Thirds' is a standard rule when it comes to most visual media (e.g. film, photography, art, etc.). It breaks into the image into nine different sections and gives a basic idea on the composition of important elements within a shot, saying that the focal point should be place within the centre thirds. It also states that the human eye is gravitated towards the four intersecting points of the grid as we seem to find it more aesthetically pleasing.

Golden Spiral

(http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-565161.html)

The 'Golden Spiral' is based on the ratio of 1 to 1.618 (often refereed to the perfect number) and is a naturally occurring found in most plant life and natural structures creating a predetermined line for the eye to follow. Some argue that because it is such a natural pattern, it is very appealing to the human eye and that we find it very harmonising. It's impact is so strong that it has been used throughout history dating all the way back to the classical Greek architecture (when some say the rule was first unearthed), to Divinci;s "Mona Lisa", to modern day construction.

http://www.apogeephoto.com/may2014/how-to-use-the-golden-ratio-to-improve-your-photography.shtml
https://photographyicon.com/goldenratio/

Leading Lines

Leading lines create a natural pathway within an image for the eyes to follow. Mostly created from the environment within a location, their main functions are to both exaggerate length and add a perception of depth. Typical examples of this include roads, fences, paths/walkways, rocks, etc.