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05/10/2009 01:04:12 PM · #1 |
The Rule of Thirds clearly demonstrates the general locations to place a subject to provide a well composed photo.
I read a book on composition that discussed the RIGHT third and how placing the subject in the right third of the frame leads to a more appealing photo. The examples they had clearly showed this effect. It also showed one case where the left third was preferred because of lines leading toward a point in the background, on the left of the original photo.
Since reading the book, I have noticed quite a few photos where the subject has been placed in the LEFT third. I've taken the photos, flipped them around and really didn't think that the right third offered a better composition.
I'd like to open a discussion on the use of the right third, perhaps see some examples, debates and opinions.
Anyone up for a discussion? |
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05/10/2009 01:12:58 PM · #2 |
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05/10/2009 01:14:22 PM · #3 |
Lines leading to the left
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05/10/2009 01:15:06 PM · #4 |
| It seems the voters here prefer those compositions. |
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05/10/2009 01:23:28 PM · #5 |
I think the traditional advice is to use the right third because the eye "reads" a photo like it reads text, from left to right. I believe I read that in Galen Rowell's "Inner Game of Outdoor Photography", which addresses several of the psychological and optical aspects of photography.
Using that assumption, you would want to lead the viewer from the left to your main subject in the right third of the photo. Of course that ignores the fact that not everyone reads from left to right... In my opinion, the composition that looks best is the one that should be used. Sometimes you'll have elements of the shot that lead the eye in from the right to the main subject at the left third, and it will look better.
Rules of photography are like speed limits - they're more like suggestions. :D |
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05/10/2009 01:25:27 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by PGerst:
Since reading the book, I have noticed quite a few photos where the subject has been placed in the LEFT third. I've taken the photos, flipped them around and really didn't think that the right third offered a better composition. |
I don't think this is quite a fair test, because images which are flipped "never" look quite right -- I think there are subliminal clues which tell us we are looking at a mirror-image.
The fairest test would be to shoot the same subject with both compositions from the same/similar locations. I think you'd find that in many cases, the composition is not exactly arbitrary, but dictated by other factors, like an inappropriate/distracting element on the other side, or the need to leave open space for a moving subject. |
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05/10/2009 01:30:49 PM · #7 |
In my experience, when the composition involves strong leading-line perspective, converging diagonals, depth in general with lines (actual or implied) leading into it, then the left third works better. When the composition is more an issue of planes, rather than depth, the right third tends to be stronger. Kelvin's examples illustrate this perfectly, actually. Of course, no "rule" is absolute...
R.
Message edited by author 2009-05-10 13:31:25. |
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05/10/2009 01:40:30 PM · #8 |
a rule of thumb - don't always follow the rules :)
here is an example of mine that i think shows the left hand third to good effect.
it adds tension - it simulates motion - and it may make the viewer wonder where the worm is headed...
it also scored pretty well !
and another - which i can't describe the way i did the previous example. but scored me a ribbon...
actually looking at some of my photos posted at DPC - i seem to use the left hand side as much as the right hand side... ?
Message edited by author 2009-05-10 13:44:35.
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05/10/2009 02:23:54 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by soup:
a rule of thumb - don't always follow the rules :)
here is an example of mine that i think shows the left hand third to good effect.
it adds tension - it simulates motion - and it may make the viewer wonder where the worm is headed...
it also scored pretty well !
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For me the DOF leads my eye from the green, up and out of the upper R corner. So there is natural to-the-right eye movement that is complimentary to the image. My eye starts w/the green thing, so for me the to-the-left eye movement is very brief & not as strong as the swoop to the right.
[eta]
Something that I do notice, or think I notice, that winning images tend to lead your eye to a focal point & nail it there. I don't know why this works.
Message edited by author 2009-05-10 14:28:47. |
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05/10/2009 11:23:05 PM · #10 |
Thanks! This is great stuff, and the opinion of everyone really does confirm the generality (with exceptions noted) that the right third is the preferred placement. The most important comments have been around the co-existence of leading lines, diagonals, etc, that Robert and Tim pointed out so well and how the rotate the perspective to favor the left.
I went back to look through my stash, and here is one in which I had enough room in the original shot to decide on a left, center, or right crop. I chose right, prior to reading the book, and now I know why.
No doubt, those reading this post in the future may benefit from a higher score.
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05/10/2009 11:36:36 PM · #11 |
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05/10/2009 11:39:01 PM · #12 |
I seem to be ambidextrous. I compose either way, and it seems to work out fine. Usually I try to shoot with the subject facing into the image if it is or represents an animal or human.
I am wondering if you posted an image with a right heavy comp for 100 people to rate, then the same image, but mirror image, flipped L to R, if it would get the same score from another 100 people.
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05/10/2009 11:45:17 PM · #13 |
I think its partially based on culture. Westerns read left to right so our eyes tend to go that way when viewing images. Other cultures may find a different preference.
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05/10/2009 11:55:23 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by MelonMusketeer:
I am wondering if you posted an image with a right heavy comp for 100 people to rate, then the same image, but mirror image, flipped L to R, if it would get the same score from another 100 people. |
I don't know ... you could compare this original image with this flipped version, which I submitted as my entry. I flipped it to restore the "correct" POV -- I was modeling and shooting (in a mirror) all at once. :-) |
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05/11/2009 12:18:00 AM · #15 |
Traffic signal body language don't count. BTW, one of your nicer bird shots too. : )
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05/11/2009 09:03:30 AM · #16 |
| Rules where meant to be broken! |
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05/11/2009 02:25:33 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by jdixonsd:
Rules where meant to be broken! |
I'd say the middle breaks the best. More leverage. ;) |
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