1. Lesson 1: The rule of Thirds
Photo Composition
Lesson 1: The rule of Thirds

2. Take 5!
List as many things as you can that feel wrong with this photograph. Think of what the story could be here.

3. Why is composition important?
Makes the image interesting
Gives order or direction
Shows emphasis
Creates mood and atmosphere
It’s all about manipulation
Forces people to look at something you want them to

4. The Rule of Thirds The intersecting points are the FIRST focus point
The lines themselves are the SECOND focus point

8. Tips
Use natural lines
Avoid putting objects dead center
2:1 ratio

9. People

10. What’s wrong here?

11. Lead your subject out of the frame...
...Not into it

12. Counterpoint
You can enhance the picture composition even more by creating a counterpoint. If you place your primary focal point at the thirds position, you can place a secondary focal point at the diagonally opposite thirds position.

13. Counterpoint

14. Talking space/Headroom
Notice things such as eye line, looking/talking space, headroom, spacial relations, direction. It even follows the rule of thirds!

15. Notice how the facial expression and mood allow for the composition to break rule.

16. Shooting People...With a Camera!
Most times the person is the subject
Be aware of space, and how you want to shoot with or without it
Lead your subject
Use counterpoints for a stronger cohesive image
Watch the eye line
Rule of thirds still applies!

17. Exceptions? ...kind of
It all comes down to meaning and intent

18. Quick Review Importance of composition Rule of thirds is king!
Look for natural lines
Framing people as subjects
Meaning and intent
Applies to photography, videography, films,graphic design, layout design etc

19. Remember
While all art is subjective, there are still basic principals and guidelines to follow. Use these rules and you will be successful!

20. Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It...
Find any image (magazine, newspaper, website) that follows the rule of thirds. Explain what the focus points are, and how that helps convey a mood. Write a half page fictional synopsis that takes place around the subject/mood/tone of the photograph you have chosen.