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Page 1: Rule of Thirds Handout - itismath.comitismath.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/RuleofThirdsHandout_Bloc… · Rule of Thirds Composition in photography refers to the placement or arrangement

Rule of Thirds

Composition in photography refers to the placement or arrangement of visual elements within a

photograph. Visual elements include your subject, background and all the details that show up

within your frame.

Camera settings alone can’t give you a good picture. You have to take the picture with

awareness of all the visual elements and start with a good composition first.

The rule of thirds is one of the easiest things to keep in mind when composing your shot. It is an

imaginary grid that divides the field into 9 equal squares or rectangles by placing two lines

horizontally and two lines vertically (think tic-tac-toe). The intersections of these lines are key

spots to place your subject.

The rule of thirds can also be used for placement of linear elements in your composition. For

example, a horizon line should almost always be in the upper or lower third of the image, not in

the middle (always make sure you horizon is level, as well). If you are photographing something

that is vertical (person, lamp post, tree, building edge), line that up with the left or right third line.

This technique helps to create an interesting photograph and moves the eye around the whole

image. If the subject is located in the upper right corner, we will naturally move around to look

for more visual information in the rest of the frame.

Rationale:

Understanding and applying the rule of thirds to your photography practice is one of the easiest

ways to improve your compositions, and leads to more pleasing images.

Goal:

The goal of this project is to create five images demonstrating application of the rule of thirds

using hands as the subject. Be creative - think about what your hands can do! Use one hand, or

multiple hands.

Criteria:

See marking rubric on Jupiter Grades

1) Content /20

Do your photos demonstrate use of the rule of thirds? Have you incorporated a hand (or hands)

into your image?

2) Skills / Technical

● Apply previously learned photography skills (depth of field, shutter speed, aperture)

● Use a tripod if you need one

● Use maximum photo size in your camera settings

● Subject in focus

● Correct exposure

● Apply Photoshop workflow skills to improve and frame your photos

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3) Elements and Principles of Design

Pick one or two principles to focus on in your images. Emphasis and colour might be good ones

to try for this project (but feel free to try others!).

Emphasis - Making the subject really stand out in your image. Applying the rule of thirds will

help with this, but also be aware of what might be in your background that could distract from

your subject.

Colour - Bright colours naturally draw your eye. Too many bright colours can be distracting and

confusing to the viewer, and becomes visual clutter. Be aware of this when composing your

photograph.

Option to try: use the grey scale with colour technique to really make your focal point (which

should be located on one of your rule of thirds intersections) pop. There is a tutorial for this in

semester 1, in case you need a refresher.

4) Creativity / Originality

Try to look at the camera angles and lighting conditions. The more that you incorporate

previous techniques, the more likely you will be challenging the level of creativity.

Be thoughtful in your composition, and be aware of everything that is in your frame. Are you

trying to include people walking in the background, or are they just there? Do you want that

shadow from the lamp post cutting across your background, or could you move so it isn’t there?

These are all things that may detract from your composition, and take focus away from your

subject.

5) Professionalism

Professionalism is based on the attention paid to the accurate and careful presentation of the

final project.

- Frame your photos

- Include a thoughtful title

- Include your name

Upload your photos to Snapfish.ca at full resolution and share with Mr. White

([email protected]).

6) Write-up and self-evaluation /10

This write-up requires you to record important details about each picture that you took.

Answer the following for each picture in Word and email it to Mr. White :

● Title:

● File Name:

● Criteria: Did you successfully stick to the assigned content (Rule of thirds, hands)? How

is your content relevant to the assigned content? (1-2 sentences)

● Aperture:

● Shutter Speed:

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● ISO:

● E and P of Design: Which Elements and Principles of Design are present in your image?

● Creativity / Originality: What are some of the creative aspects of this photo? Two

sentences.

● Self-Evaluation: What mark do you deserve out of 10 and why?


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