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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Rule of thirds???
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06/03/2005 08:40:27 AM · #1
I've seen a couple of references to this rule but I have no Idea what it is. Can anyone explain it to me in plain language. Thank you in advance...
06/03/2005 08:43:49 AM · #2
Morguefile - Rule of Thirds
06/03/2005 08:44:53 AM · #3
//www.palmettobayinc.com/PhotoTutorials/thirds.html

Message edited by author 2005-06-03 08:45:04.
06/03/2005 08:48:55 AM · #4
Rule of Thirds in plain English:

Divide the rectangle of your image into thirds both horizontally and vertically. Draw lines connecting these points to produce a 9-square grid overlaying your image. Dominant compositional elements should fall on those lines and/or strong focal points should fall on one or more of the intersections of the lines.

It's just one of many compositional "models", probably the first one students of art learn and possibly the most useful for the general photographer, but still only one of many ways by which an image may be composed aesthetically.

The link above to morguefile provides excellent detail on the subject.

Robt.

Message edited by author 2005-06-03 08:49:39.
06/03/2005 09:03:26 AM · #5
Some cameras have the ability to display such a grid on the LCD as compositional guides.
06/03/2005 09:46:50 AM · #6
Originally posted by GeneralE:

Some cameras have the ability to display such a grid on the LCD as compositional guides.


Really? Which ones? Thanks for all the input! (and that link... I just looked at it and its incredible) I hope it works! (that is make me a better photographer.)

Message edited by author 2005-06-03 09:49:57.
06/03/2005 09:48:45 AM · #7
Originally posted by neophyte:

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Some cameras have the ability to display such a grid on the LCD as compositional guides.


Really? Which ones? Thanks for all the input!


I know the Canon A95 has that feature. I never used it, as I didn't know what the rule of thirds was when I owned it, but I probably would now.
06/03/2005 10:03:58 AM · #8
Fuji Finepix prosumers have 'em, at least the 4900Z and 5100 do...

R.
06/03/2005 10:05:50 AM · #9
Originally posted by bear_music:

Fuji Finepix prosumers have 'em, at least the 4900Z and 5100 do...

R.


So does the S3000
06/03/2005 10:52:35 AM · #10
As does the e550
06/03/2005 11:44:28 AM · #11
the focuspoints on the 20D have the same position in the frame as in the rule of thirds :)
06/03/2005 12:04:40 PM · #12
my panasonic dmc-fz20 has it too
06/03/2005 02:05:47 PM · #13
The Nikon D70 can display a grid if you turn it on using Custom Setting 8 on the CSM menu.
04/20/2007 02:37:18 PM · #14
Could anyone tell me if this is a 'valid' rule of thirds picture:

-- this image --

As fast as possible, thanks

Message edited by ursula - changed large image to link.
04/20/2007 02:45:22 PM · #15
It certainly doesn't scream rule of thirds. Infact, I think calling it a ROT image would be pushing it as only part of the composition follows that rule.... specifically the trees seem to hit on thirds points, but the horizon definitly does not hit thrids lines. Some cropping would help the composition, but still not a really strong image.
04/20/2007 03:40:10 PM · #16
how do you shoot a good ROT picture?
04/20/2007 03:43:00 PM · #17
Originally posted by mian3010:

how do you shoot a good ROT picture?


Try to make your MAIN subject hit a thirds intersection. A very simple example would be a white image with a red dot at one of the thirds intersections (think where the lines cross on a tic tac toe board). That is a VERY simple example, but you can extrapolate from there.
04/20/2007 03:44:13 PM · #18
Have a look at the first Rule of Thirds challenge:
Rule of Thirds Challenge
04/20/2007 03:44:53 PM · #19
Originally posted by mian3010:

how do you shoot a good ROT picture?

I just did a quick search on Yahoo for "rule of thirds" and there were many decent guides/tutorials, etc...

And of course, Wikipedia has info as well: Rule of thirds
04/20/2007 03:45:10 PM · #20
Originally posted by mian3010:

Could anyone tell me if this is a 'valid' rule of thirds picture:

-- this image --

No. One of the first places the viewer's eye is drawn is to the road and that is center framed. The second place is the building and that is to far to the left. The large tree on the right is as close as you get, but that is hardly the central point of interest in the composition.

In rule of thirds your main subject should be aligned to a horizontal or vertical rule of thirds line or, better yet, have a central point of interest centered on the intersection point of two of those lines.
04/20/2007 03:50:37 PM · #21
Thanks a lot for the fast responses, it certainly helps!

to bad it's soo late, if it wasn't i'd be out shooting pictures.
04/20/2007 03:51:36 PM · #22
Originally posted by mian3010:

Thanks a lot for the fast responses, it certainly helps!

to bad it's soo late, if it wasn't i'd be out shooting pictures.


Good luck with the challenge. :)
04/20/2007 03:56:01 PM · #23
Thanks, to bad the time for submitting pictures is almost over
04/20/2007 03:58:12 PM · #24
Originally posted by mian3010:

Thanks, to bad the time for submitting pictures is almost over


You still have 4 days!

04/20/2007 03:58:30 PM · #25
The challenge closes next tuesday evening- therefore, this challenge actually only 'just began'. Have fun shooting!

Originally posted by mian3010:

Thanks, to bad the time for submitting pictures is almost over
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