Most people can identify a satisfying image when they see it. That is the interesting thing about the aesthetics of photography – you don’t have to be an expert to understand them because they’re based on the natural desires of the human eye. Many non-photographers have a deep love for photo books, photo exhibitions, and – of course – just getting high quality family photos done by someone who knows what they’re doing with a camera.
Solely understanding composition does not make for a good photographer, but it is an important set of guidelines to keep in mind when making an image. They say that shooting with film forces the photographer to slow down. But whether you’re shooting film or digital, the way you choose to compose your shot should always slow you down.
There are moments of luck, but most of the time it takes quite a bit of patience and thought to nail a successful composition.