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:

From linda*kenney.

From Photofiend of San Diego Photo Forum.

From ♥ Susan ♥.

Other Resources:

• "Rule of Thirds" by Darren Rowse.
• "The Rule of Thirds in Photography" by Liz Masoner.
• "Rule of Thirds" by Trish Dykes.
• "Erica on the Rule of Thirds" by Erica.
• "Learning Composition: The Rule of Thirds" by John Watson.

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!