Composition

Rule of Thirds

The Rule of Thirds work in 2 ways.
Using the rule of thirds, an image is split up into 9 even segments. Along the lines and near where lines meet, at 4 points, is where the focus of the picture should be.
Also, a part of the picture (be it the focus or not) should take up 2rds of the image, leaving a 3rd of the image either quiet or where the focus is.
My photograph of an asian Ball Jointed Doll demonstrates both of these rules. The figure of the doll takes up 2 thirds of the image and the out of focus background fills the remaining 3rd. This Brings the doll to the viewers attention and although they're not on the point exactly, the hand and face are on the lines and are situated almost evenly from the point, putting them both in focus.

Image by Dkirbyj.deviantart.com

Cross and Iconic

Iconic: The iconic guides, in a sense, frame the image. Within the center of the diamond if the focus of the image and on the outside of the lines is the background and the features that are supposed to be surrounding it.
Cross: The cross guide essentially gives a sense of balence. No matter where the cross is placed within the picture, at the points where the lines cross is where the focus will be as well as the point at which the colours balance out.
The above illustration is an example of both practices. Both the girl and the beast are situated within the diamond while the background changes from dark with highlights to light with shadows at the stoppng line of the cross.

Image by shirotsuki

Devine Proportions rectangle

Devine proportions spilt a rectangle up into squares, contuing around the space until the smallest point is reached. This forms a spiral around the page which leads to the focus. The smallest point is, according the devine proportion, where the focus of the image should be. The above picture is a very good example of this, strting off with the trail of lotus that fall exactly on the path of the spiral until it meets the two figures, situtated right atop the point of focus.