The Rule of Thirds

Perhaps the most well-known compositional rule in photography, the rule of thirds

suggests breaking an image into thirds both horizontally and vertically and using the 9

square grid that appears to frame your photographs.

This grid can be used in 2 ways. First, you can choose to use the 4 intersections of these lines as “points of interest.” This means what it suggests, that you place subject matter that you’d like to draw attention at these points. Below, the Bee’s eye is an example of this, as it falls directly at the top right cross section.

Secondly, the lines can be used to line up elements in your photos. For example, compare the 2 images below. The left version centers the rock formation, while the right applies the rule of thirds for a more visually appealing composition.

Digital Photography

Ms. Peabody

Assignment Details

Your first assignment is to use the Rule of Thirds in a photograph.

Subject Matter: (What should the photo be of? Object, place, person…) You may choose any subject matter that is available to you as long as it is appropriate for school.

Compositional Rule: (How should you arrange this image) Rule of Thirds

Storyboard: (pre-photograph planning sketches) None required for this assignment, but be aware that planning will be required for future assignments.

Camera Functions: You may choose to use the DISPLAY button which will produce a Rule of Thirds Grid on your camera’s preview screen.

How Many Photos: You should never take only one photo. Always take at least 10-15 images for each assignment. This will provide you with options when it is time to submit. Some angles/lighting/poses will work better than others.

Submission: Photos should always be submit using Google Docs/Drive. Please submit your final chosen Rule of Thirds photo to MsPeabodyAAE@gmail.com before 10:30am on Tuesday 2/11. Always save the file using the following format: firstinitial.lastname.assignment abbreviation. (B.Peabody.Thirds)

Timeframe: Thursday 2/6- Project assigned. Class time provided to work. Friday 2/7- Class time provided to work. Monday 2/10- Not a work day, Quiz on Camera Functions. Tuesday 2/11- Due Date & Critique day.

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In Case of Early Completion: It is important to recognize that as with drawing, students will take varying amounts of time to complete this assignment. Some students may have an idea right off, catch the perfect photo on their first try, and not need to do any editing; others may experience the polar opposite. Please be respectful of this and use your class time wisely. Finish your Photography Reference File. Make up any missed work- Photographer assignment? Work quietly and productively on homework for another class.