I just read a great little blurb about 'looking for what you don't see' when you take a photograph. (the blurb: http://bit.ly/1ONXCn)
And it reminded me of something I read in a flickr group a few years back. And that was something along the lines of 'right before you take your picture, turn 180° and see what composition may be behind you'. I've found this technique simple and effective, and would add it to the idea mentioned above.

I find myself looking for the photograph everywhere I go. There are so many great things to capture if you just look for them. Challenge yourself to find the interesting shots amongst the seemingly mundane world around you. As you train yourself to find those opportunities, you'll train your eye to help you create better compositions as a photographer.

Posted via email from nick’s posterous