But no matter how controversial and difficult, not to say elusive, the concept of composition, sooner or later a photographer must come to grips with it. How is up to him, because, as I said at the beginning, composing is an intensely personal affair. But before anyone can work out anything for himself, he must know what it is all about. In this respect, theoretical discussions have their use because they deal with fundamentals. And the fundamental aspects of composition provide the only basis on which anyone can build a philosophy of photography. To give the reader this basis is the purpose of this book—not to convert him to the author's opinions. To do more is impossible; from here on it is every man for himself.