The Rule of 3rds
/Jul/07 Filed in: Tips and
tricks
Do you want to take better pictures? Technique is
often a topic of discussion in pro photographer
circles, but rarely filters down to the average
weekend hobbyist. In today's market, pro level
equipment has become more accessible to the general
public. The onslaught of digital equipment and fierce
competition between manufactures has forged a market
where a $1500 camera is as likely to be seen in the
hands of an amateur as those of a seasoned pro. With
one major difference: the final outcome.
Many weekend shutter-bugs find out quickly that better equipment does not make a better photographer. Truth be told, many pros have discovered the same reality. So what is it that sets a great image apart from an ordinary snap shot? Technique!
While there are countless tricks, rules and techniques that one could spend a lifetime mastering, there is truly but a handful that really make all the difference. In this article I would like to discuss one that I feel is the easiest way to turn your snapshots into portraits.
It all comes down to composition, and what many refer to as the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds is a special concept that is born of mathematics, and applied to everything from architecture, to fine art, to interior design, and certainly photography. In its simplest form, the law of thirds states that things look better when proportioned in thirds. This can take many different forms in other mediums, but for photography, it simply means moving your center of focus off to one side, or up and down.
I would like you to take a look at the two
examples on the left. The example on the top
demonstrates a typical error in composition. The
eyes, which should always be the point of interest,
are low in the frame. In actual fact, they are dead
center. This leaves a lot of uninteresting space
above the head. It also gives you a sense of looking
down upon the subject, as opposed to looking straight
on at the subject as an equal.
The lower image shows how an image can be made more appealing by changing the position of the camera. The point of focus is still the eyes, but this is now made more powerful by filling the empty space. Also, by making the body an integral part of the image, the viewer is naturally drawn upwards, from the body to the eyes. Take a look at all of the portraits at the bottom of this page. They all follow this same basic rule.
To make an image like this all you need to do
is point your camera (no matter what grade or quality
that may be) at your subject, then offset in an
appealing direction, so that your subject does not
occupy the dead center of the frame. Remember,
though, to focus on your subject prior to shifting
your composition. If you follow these simple steps,
you will be taking better, more satisfying pictures,
whether you have a $2000 camera or a $200 camera.
I hope you enjoy learning to use this technique, and I hope you become a better photographer for it. Happy shooting to you, and be sure to stay tuned for more helpful hints from Merrifield Photography.
Many weekend shutter-bugs find out quickly that better equipment does not make a better photographer. Truth be told, many pros have discovered the same reality. So what is it that sets a great image apart from an ordinary snap shot? Technique!
While there are countless tricks, rules and techniques that one could spend a lifetime mastering, there is truly but a handful that really make all the difference. In this article I would like to discuss one that I feel is the easiest way to turn your snapshots into portraits.
It all comes down to composition, and what many refer to as the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds is a special concept that is born of mathematics, and applied to everything from architecture, to fine art, to interior design, and certainly photography. In its simplest form, the law of thirds states that things look better when proportioned in thirds. This can take many different forms in other mediums, but for photography, it simply means moving your center of focus off to one side, or up and down.
The lower image shows how an image can be made more appealing by changing the position of the camera. The point of focus is still the eyes, but this is now made more powerful by filling the empty space. Also, by making the body an integral part of the image, the viewer is naturally drawn upwards, from the body to the eyes. Take a look at all of the portraits at the bottom of this page. They all follow this same basic rule.
I hope you enjoy learning to use this technique, and I hope you become a better photographer for it. Happy shooting to you, and be sure to stay tuned for more helpful hints from Merrifield Photography.