Camera Use Week 3 Rule of Thirds Research

What is the Rule of Thirds?

The rule of thirds is applied by aligning a subject with the guide line and their intersection point, placing the horizon on the top or bottom line, or allowing linear features in the image to flow from section to section.
Information: Wikipedia.org

The rule of thirds is where you divide an image into thirds using a grid. It is used as a technique to create a more balanced image in photography.

In class, we made notes all together discussing what the Rule of Thirds technique is. This is what we came up with:

Rule of Thirds:
- dividing up your image using 2 lines (horizontal and vertical)
- creates a more creative photo
- having your subject to the "side" of the grid
- allows you to balance out the elements in an image
- creates a composition that is attractive to the eye
- composes the photograph in the camera so you can avoid cropping
- one of the most well known photography skills to date
- can be used at any skill level
- most cameras have a grid that can be enabled to create the Rue of Thirds Composition

Below are a few examples of photographs that use the rule of thirds technique:

See how the house is just off centre in the above image? This is because the artist is using the rule of thirds technique. If you put a 3x3 grid in front of the image, you will see that the house is on the left hand side intersecting rule of thirds lines. This therefore means that the artist has used the rule of thirds technique.

I like how this image is laid out on the right hand side of the rule of thirds grid. I think it creates a more balanced image than if the subject was placed directly in the centre. I also like how there is a surfer making their way to the buildings. It draws my attention to the buildings but also their placement, recognising the artists use of the rule of thirds technique.