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04/11/2004 09:36:05 PM · #1 |
How often should the subject of your photo be dead center? Should it be on an intersection of lines if you divide the photo into thirds? What rules do you use when placing cropping a photo in therms of subject placement?
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04/11/2004 09:43:01 PM · #2 |
This tutorial by jmsetzler, goes into the composition basis of the rule of thirds. It's a great read
Rule of Thirds tutorial |
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04/11/2004 09:43:09 PM · #3 |
I suggest this tutorial on the Rule of Thirds
Edit: I was too slow. :)
Message edited by author 2004-04-11 21:43:41.
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04/11/2004 09:43:37 PM · #4 |
No. In fact, there is a great tutorial on the rule of thirds that I recommend checking out. For point & shoot shots like candids of friends & stuff, dead centre is okay. But for everything else, off centre subjects are nicer & seems more professional.
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04/11/2004 09:51:45 PM · #5 |
Agreed with you on that one Rooster. You don't have to follow the rule of thirds to a "T," they are more guidelines rather than a rule. There are some FABULOUS shots that don't neccassarily follow the rule of thirds, nor have an on-center subject. What I am trying to say is is that the Rule of Thirds really helps out a lot, but what's great about photography is that you don't have to follow these guidelines exactly, you are the artist, whatever feel is good is good, make your own style.
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04/11/2004 10:02:22 PM · #6 |
Put the subject wherever it feels right.
It is worth spending a bit of time understanding the cultural significance, historical styles and emotional importance of particular locations within a frame and how particular design elements interact. |
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04/11/2004 10:07:23 PM · #7 |
That's a good question. Should you always use the rule of thirds is an equally good question though. For example in this image:  would the rule of thirds worked as well? I don't think so. I felt it was necessary to draw the eye directly to the chair and have it the central focus of the image. I think all too often people believe that there is only one way to approach and image and overlook other compositions that may also work equally as well.
-danny
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04/11/2004 10:42:15 PM · #8 |
my 2cents
I agree with you and hope this wonderful example will reiterate as John and others have mentioned that 'rule of thirds' is a guide and not carved in stone.
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04/11/2004 10:42:25 PM · #9 |
Compositional exercise:
1. Take a small object, say, a pebble. Put it on black (or neutral, non-reflective) background. Place and frame it so that it cannot be outdone (carrying Gordon's suggestion forth). Take two objects, then three (one round, one square, one triangular), grouping/placing/framing them in varying combinations.
2. Take the same object(s) and introduce a random element to the process. Close your eyes and drop or cast them where they fall. Try to emulate the process when you photograph the result: turn around your axis and -click- take a shot or... close your eyes and click somewhere in the direction of your subject(s). Crop the result so, that a reasonable comparison (with 1.) can be made.
3. Choose your favourite captures. Trash everything else.
4. Go for a walk (without camera) and look at stones, tree, shrubs for their form and placement. Take note of the space that surrounds them. Try to draw comparisons to your chosen favourite captures.
You will likely find some compositions more pleasing than others, some exciting to the point of curiosity. You will also likely find a great deal of variation in your (changing) perferences. :-)
When after seven years :-) of secret, personal experiments like this you return (if you're still inclined to do so) to society, ask others for their preferences. I bet, you'd be surprised by the sheer agreement you'll find.
I also bet, the rule of thirds will mean something to you, and I bet that its meaning will be much less imposing than reading about it in a book written by someone other than yourself.
Message edited by author 2004-04-11 22:54:16.
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04/11/2004 10:54:51 PM · #10 |
| Cool exercise, haven't done it but I may try it. I really like the part without the camera and invisioning the placement. (I am a runner, photography and running don't mix too well). |
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