Composition

There are some basic rules of composition in photography. I equate these to guidelines more than rules...if you can remember these things, it may generate more interest in your images. Composition literally means "to put together".
    Among the first is 
"RULE OF THIRDS"
Imagine a tic-tac-toe game on the image (without the X's and O's). The lines are segments that divide the image into thirds, both horizontally as well as vertically. Where the lines intersect are called "POWER POINTS". I usually try to place a subjects eye in a portrait on one of these points, and the horizon along one of these lines in my landscapes. The guides or rules can be broken, and there are times when you absolutely should, as your vision is your art.
"RULE OF ODDS" This rule or guide simply means that an odd number of subjects in a portrait may generate more interest than an even number of subjects.
"RULE OF SPACE" This rule pertains to creating fluidity or movement in a photo. The viewer’s eye is drawn to a particular place with the use of negative (or white) space.
There are a lot of guides or rules in photography, and I've listed a few here. They are not the "set in stone rules to live by"!
I have come to learn, love and live hoping for the "happy accident". That's where something you weren't trying to do accidentally becomes something much better than you could have ever hoped for...and I welcome it with open arms whenever it happens to me. Catching lightning without getting my camera wet, having everyone in the room forget I'm there and act naturally for a candid...
I'd also suggest not worrying about these too awful much before you are able to consistently achieve a proper exposure. Good luck to you! Keep shooting!