1. Composition: Rule of Thirds

2. What is it? When do I use it?
According to thephoblographer.com
“This is the basic idea of composition. It is essentially dividing the image up into three horizontal and vertical sections.
Use it to…
As a guide in the off-center placement of your subjects

3. Imagine this is what you see when you go to take a picture
Imagine this is what you see when you go to take a picture. This is how you should image your viewfinder split up in order to use Rule of Thirds

4. How it works
Before you snap the picture imagine your picture area divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically
The intersections of these imaginary lines suggest four options for placing the center of interest for good composition.

5. The option you select depends upon the subject and how you would like that subject to be presented.
The upper-right position for this subject is selected so that we see the full shadow and most of the tracks that lead to the seagull.

6. Good Examples

7. The Lighthouse
The lighthouse seems well placed in the upper right just because the rest of the scene first nicely into the format.

8. Icy Bridge
Here’s a case where you have excellent subject control. You can have the model pose anywhere along the walkway. The rule of thirds indicates this placement which also gives the model a definite path to follow within the picture.

9. Consider This
You should always consider the path of moving subjects and, generally, leave space in front of them into which they can move.

10. Improve the Use of Rule of Thirds

11. Didn’t consider the path of the object
If you do not consider the path of the moving object look what can happen! This jogger looks like she’s going to run right out of the picture.

12. So much better…
By placing the subject in the lower-left position, we’ve used the rule of thirds and given the jogger plenty of room to run within the picture

13. Still considering movement…Good!
Here’s another action shot where it’s important to leave more space in front of the moving subject than behind it.

14. Not just subject placement but horizon placement too!

15. Center Boat/Flat Horizon
Boring…. You can also apply the rule of thirds guidelines to the placement of the horizon in your photos. Here the center position of the boat and horizon results in a static feeling.

16. Do you like this?
Let's move the horizon to the upper third and the sailboat to the left. Remember, these are the only guidelines. So if you don't like this subject placement, try another.

17. Or do you like this?
Like this. We've moved the horizon line to the lower third. In general, place the horizon high or low in your scenics, but rarely in the middle.

18. It’s not just for the horizons…
Just as it's usually best to place horizons off center, it's also best to place verticals off center. For instance, in the picture on the left, the subject is centered, but on the right, the photographer got a more effective photograph by simply changing the viewpoint.

19. Assignment: Composition – Rule of Thirds
Take photos using the Rule of Thirds to the best of your ability.
Make sure to use a subject that is clear (ie: a person, a doll, a pet, a friend)
You must take at least 50 photos
Print a contact sheet of all photos
Choose 15 photos to present to the class that show your best use of the Rule of Thirds
Print your absolute best shot using Rule of Thirds, print one 8’x10” to mount for display.