Well, it is a little complicated. Or it might seem so. We are talking talk about the feared Rule of the Third (also described as the Golden Section). ...
Well, it is a little complicated. Or it might seem so. We are talking talk about the feared Rule of the Third (also described as the Golden Section). But do not worry. It is not as complicated as many people thinks. If you are able to divide a square in nine equal parts, you will be safe.
If you are looking for a simple, real life example of the Rule of the Third, you can find a news channel on your TV. Look where the newsreader is sitting; either in the right or the left third. It is a classic example of the Rule of the Third.
Long before the photography painters found out, that if the main subject was placed either one third or two third from the top and/or from the left, the painting would look more balanced.
Actually one third is not the absolutely correct place to place the main subject. There is a very complex mathematically rule that describes the Golden Section. But as long as you are not showing your pictures to mathematicians, it is just fine to use one third as a rule.
So when you are photographing, try to place your subjects in the third parts of the picture; if possible both vertically and horizontal.
It is really important to use the Rule of the Third when photographing the horizon. In many photos the horizon is placed in the middle of the picture. That gives an unbalanced photo, because it is divided into two parts.
Instead look at the frame. What is most interesting; the sky or the ground? If there are beautiful clouds in the sky, then this part should fill up two thirds of the picture. Are the subjects on the ground more interesting they should fill up the largest part.
If you have a camera, where the subject has to be in the middle of the frame to be sharp, your must place the subject in the middle of the frame. Then you should press the releaser half down and turn your camera, so the subject is placed where you want it to be. This way the right part of the photo will be sharp.
It is okay to break the Rule of the Thirds (like all other photographic rules). But you shall know why you are doing it and therefore only do it on purpose.
Morten Elm is the editor of Foto Fan. Here you can read about . You can also find information about subjects like .
categories: Rule of the Third,the Golden Section,photography,photos,digital photography,digital photos,pictures,camera,subjects,painting,mathematic,horizon,sky
The Rule of the Third (also called the Golden Section) might seem a little complicated: But actually it is not as complicated as you probably think. If you are able to divide a square in nine equally sized parts, you will be able to use the Rule of the Third.
Before you do anything else, try to turn on your TV and find a news channel. Wait until you see the newsreader. Where is he sitting? In the middle of the picture? No, he is sitting either in the left or the right third. And that is the Rule of the Third.
Since the earliest days (long before the photograph) painters found out, that if you place the main subject either about one third or two thirds from the top and/or from the left side, the painting will be more balanced.
Actually the entirely right place is not in the third part of the picture. There is a complicated mathematically rule to describe the Golden Section. But who cares. As long as the subject is placed about one third, if is fine enough. So if the viewer of your photos is sitting with a ruler, you should try showing them to others than mathematicians.
So try to place your main subject in the third parts, when you are photographing. It can be either horizontal or vertically; or it can be both.
It is really important to use the Rule of the Third when photographing the horizon. In many photos the horizon is placed in the middle of the picture. That gives an unbalanced photo, because it is divided into two parts.
Instead look at the frame. What is most interesting; the sky or the ground? If there are beautiful clouds in the sky, then this part should fill up two thirds of the picture. Are the subjects on the ground more interesting they should fill up the largest part.
If you have a camera, where the subject has to be in the middle of the frame to be sharp, your must place the subject in the middle of the frame. Then you should press the releaser half down and turn your camera, so the subject is placed where you want it to be. This way the right part of the photo will be sharp.
Like all other photographic rules it is okay to break the Rule of the Thirds; as long as you do it on purpose and knows what you are doing.
About the Author:
Morten Elm is the editor of Foto Fan. Here you can read about . You can also find information about subjects like .
