Photo Lesson #1 : Rule of thirds

Define Your Subject

One of the most important things to remember when composing a photograph is to Define Your Subject. Before you take a picture ask yourself 2 questions: 1) What are you taking a picture of? and 2) Can your viewer tell?

All photographs need a center of interest – a single object or event that is of primary interest to the viewer. If there is more than one center of interest; how are they related and organized?

We will learn different methods for defining the subject throughout this course.


Rule of Thirds

To capture and hold someone’s attention when viewing a photograph, you need to assure that the photograph is visually interesting. One method of accomplishing this is by using the Rule of Thirds. This rule intends to get the center of interest out of the center of the photograph and place it in a more interesting position.

The Rule of Thirds is simply the method of dividing the frame into thirds both horizontally and vertically. Where the lines cross are more ideal positions for subjects.

When dividing your photograph into thirds you can also use the dividing lines as guides to place either implied or actual lines.

When taking pictures with horizons in them, it is necessary to evaluate the photograph and determine which is more important before composing it. Placing the horizon along the top third of the frame will place more emphasis on the land, whereas placing the horizon along the bottom third of the frame with place more emphasis on the sky. Either of these placements is usually preferred against placing the horizon directly in the center of the frame.


Assignment

Part one – Take a photograph of anything you desire but make sure that you have defined the subject.

Part two – Utilize the rule of thirds. Pick a subject and experiment placing it in different parts of the frame. Position the center of interest of different cross points of the dividing lines and also in the center of the frame to see the impact these placements have on the composition.

Part three – Take a picture with a horizon in it place the horizon in the bottom third, the center third, and the top third. How do these photographs compare?

Take as many photographs as you would like throughout the next 2 weeks. At the end of that time, submit the 3 best photographs that demonstrate the rule of thirds and share comments and critique on these photographs.