How is composition best defined in photography?

Composition in photography is best defined as the arrangement of visual elements within a photograph. It involves the thoughtful placement and organization of subjects, lines, shapes, colors, and other components that contribute to the overall aesthetic and meaning of the image. Good composition can guide the viewer's eye, create balance, and evoke emotions.

When photographers consider composition, they employ principles such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, symmetry, and framing, among others. By carefully arranging these elements, photographers can enhance the storytelling aspect and make their images more compelling.

The other choices focus on technical aspects of photography, like camera settings, flash usage, and lens selection, which are important for achieving exposure and focus, but they do not directly pertain to the visual organization and artistic expression that composition embodies. Thus, while these elements play a role in the overall process of creating a photograph, they do not define its composition.