A point of interest, is the part of a photograph that immediately attracts your attention, a dominant point is one that is obviously the focus of the picture and makes the intent of image easy to instantly grasp and give your image POP and instant wow!
Without a focal point, there's nothing to draw the viewer into the photograph so they'll simply lose interest with it. The more interesting the focal point is, the better your shot will be, but there are a few other things you can do to make sure your focal point draws the viewer's attention.

Lead your viewers into the photograph and keep them wanting to look at it, make sure the composition is as compelling as possible. Try to get a 3D feel to your 2D image by using leading lines, structures with in the image, eg: trees, buildings, roads leading into the distance, the horizon line, mountains etc, also shadows help to sculpt your photograph with light. Have a look at the tree lined path below. 

Beech woods in summer.

Dark still life photography is a good way to practice composition, atmosphere and mood are themselves interesting. This simple composition has a point of focus and is easy to set up at home with a few ingredients from the fridge, a chopping board and a piece of black paper for the back ground. A good project for the winter months!
Most of the time, when you're out taking photographs, even if it's a quick snap, make sure your shot has a strong point of interest, if it doesn't, you'll find that the eyes of the viewer won't find anything to settle on and they'll simply move on to look at another shot. 

Images can have various points of interest, but don't let them pull the attention from the main subject. If attention is led away from the main focus your shot will just become confusing and the viewer will be unsure what to look at. Less attention-grabbing points of interest can be used on rule of thirds lines (see later) to draw the eye to final resting point.

Of course, rules are always there to be broken! In this photograph of old tools laid out on my garage floor, there is no particular point of focus. Pattern is the key here, along with light and texture.

Use whatever is available to you to draw in the viewer and keep them interested and wanting more!! 

Keep on having fun with your photography and thanks for reading my blog.

Ruth 😊