Creating Effective Images Rule of Thirds

4 key composition techniques Rule of Thirds Fill the frame Use an original point of view Think “simple”

1. Rule of Thirds Imagine two lines dividing the photo into equal sections, like a tic-tac-toe board Position the subject on one of these lines Creates tension (energy) and interest Drew Keller, StoryGuide (YouTube)

When we look at an image, our eyes tend to naturally go to these four areas of the frame.

Place points of interest on the lines or intersections.

2. Fill the Frame Keep elements that add to your picture Remember, the environment can add to your picture or it can detract

3. Point of view Different from what everyone else has If you’re the photographer … lie down on the ground, stand on a table… get in close. Change your perspective!

4. Keep it simple Focus on one subject (focal point) Have a simple background Place the subject slightly off-center Have a distinct foreground, middle ground and background Be sure that the things in the photo are only those that you want the viewer to see

Point of view Don’t use the same picture everyone else has If you’re the photographer – change angle: lie down, stand on a table

Visual concepts: aspect ratio

Visual Concepts: Size, Rez Mac/Windows monitor differences Rez/Gamma Resolution – pixel density (72 dpi v 300 dpi) Lossy GIF (256 colors) JPG (up to millions) Lossless TIFF, PNG

Visual concepts: alt, title

Credits Kathy E Gill @kegill CCL – share and share alike, non-commercial