Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Lesson #1: Rule of Thirds--due June 21st

Move it from the Middle!
  • The goal of the Rule of Thirds is to create a photograph which is interesting and captures the viewer's attention.
  • The Rule of Thirds enhances the impression of action.
  • Divide the image into thirds, both horizontally and vertically; then crop your photo so that the main subjects are located around one of the intersection points rather than in the center of the image
  • Placing the horizon at the top 1/3 or bottom 1/3, then tells the viewer that this is a sky or land shot without having them to guess.
  • Some cameras have an option to show the Rule of Thirds grid lines on the viewfinder/screen.
  • Remember, sometimes rules are meant to be broken!
Examples:

Other Resources:

This will be our first challenge. Get out your camera and snap away. As you look through the lens, try to practice the rule of thirds. You can experiment with placing the subject in different thirds to produce different effects. Post a few of your favorite photos on the Shutter School Flickr group by June 21.

Be sure to let us know that you're playing along by leaving a comment telling us your name, where you're from, and your three favorite foods!

8 comments:

JJB said...

Surprise!! I'm playing!!
Jana
North Georgia (but not quite to the mountains!)
1. mashed potatoes
2. chips and salsa
3. toffee

Linda said...

I'm playing! AND I got my new camera today! Can't wait to try it out!
I'm from NW Louisiana
Favorite foods:
1. Shrimp
2. Popcorn
3. Strawberries

Linda said...

I must admit (sadly) that until this post, I had never really noticed the 9-square grid that is on my camera screen when I take a picture! It makes it so easy to line things up using the Rule of Thirds!

Callie said...

As you both know, I am pretty horrendous with blogging regularly, so I have no idea if I will complete any assignments. But I'm reading along and will post any pictures that I take :)

I am from Louisiana--soon-to-be Georgia, though.

And my favorite foods are:
1. ice cream
2. cranberries
3. cereal

Sherrie said...

Hi!
I've had my camera a couple of years but have no idea if I have a 2/3's grid or not and don't have any idea how to use it if I do. But I would love to join in if I may. My name is Sherrie, and I'm in Northeastern Indiana. My three favorite foods:
1. Spaghetti
2. Pizza
3. Lay's Classic Potato Chips

ggerdes said...

Hi!
I am excited to have some guidance and beginner's knowledge thanks to you two! My name is Gayle, and I live in Maryland. My three favorite foods are:
1. Mexican
2. chocolate desserts
3. Fresh blueberries

ggerdes said...

Hi!
I am thrilled to join y'all! What a great idea. My name is Gayle and I live in Maryland. My favorite foods are:
1. Mexican
2. chocolate desserts
3. blueberries

JJB said...

Rob's playing, too! He's just too cool to read blogs. I just uploaded his photos from tonight to Flickr--so check 'em out!