Well-composed pictures should be uncluttered -- without a bewildering excess of detail. Here's how to examine your subject for excess busy-ness.

• Will my photo picture many objects, or just a few?

If shooting many objects that are similar, consider singling out a few of them for emphasis. Do you really need a picture of a whole pile of pumpkins, or would a photo of just one of them be more interesting?

• Will my photo show something viewers will care about and want to look at?

A pile of sand is boring; a sand dune can be graceful and beautiful. A swarm of ants can be featureless, but a close-up of two solider ants from opposing anthills might be fascinating. Select your subject matter carefully.

• Can my photo make a statement about something that goes beyond the picture itself?

Consider the gripping portrayals of heroism captured with simple elements: the flag of the United States and smoldering rubble. Some of the best photographs take a stand and say something.