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

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

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

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

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

People

What’s wrong here?

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

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.

Counterpoint

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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.