Photography: Rule of Thirds
Tips & Tricks - “Rule of Thirds”
SKILL LEVEL: Beginners
HOW IT WORKS: When taking a picture, divide the image you see through the camera into thirds, both horizontally and vertically (shown above with black lines). Where these lines intercept are consideredto be “hot spots” (shown above with circles). The rule is when framing a picture you are about to take, it is generally more pleasing to the eye to have the important subject matter of your image touch 2 or 3 of these points of interception (the circles), or fall on one of the lines.
As you can see in the image above, there are three points that fall on the intercept points; the head, shoulder and left hand playing the guitar. This rule works with only 1 point and also 4 points as well, but is typically not as effective as using 2 or 3 points. Remember this “rule” is more of a guideline, and there are times when it can and should be broken… but taking the subject matter out of the center of the image is almost always a good compositional choice. Also remember if there is a person in the picture to leave some open space in front of where the person is looking.
From Behind the Lens is a monthly newsletter made available by Coastline Studios. This article is one of many produced by Coastline Studios.
What’s New with Coastline Studios?
Greetings! This newsletter marks the beginning of a new chapter in Coastline’s history and I couldn’t be more excited. This being the first newsletter I thought I would explain a little of what is included and what you can hope to get out of it.
Each newsletter will begin with a brief update about Coastline: its services, current projects and general information and news.
Media of the month will showcase a recent picture or video by Coastline Studios complete with the story behind the image or video, and the technical elements involved in creating the image or video.
Tips & Tricks are here for you! It’s a free resource to improve your picture taking skills, get the inside scoop on the latest photo and video trends and provide answers to your frequently asked questions. These tips will range from beginners level to advanced so be sure to check them out each month.
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I hope you will enjoy this newsletter and find it both entertaining and beneficial in helping you stretch those creative muscles. I am always looking for new ways to improve, so please give me feedback and suggestions! If you have a request or a question please don’t hesitate to ask!
- John Pottenger
Media of the Month
TITLE: “Anticipation”
PHOTOGRAPHER: John Pottenger
TECHNICAL: Shutter: 1/60, Aperture: f1.4, ISO: 200, Focal Length: 85mm, Flash: A-TTL aimed straight up with diffuser on
THE STORY:Coastline was hired as the 2nd photographer at a wedding this summer, and was tasked with getting shots from the back of the church during the processional. Just seconds before her grand entrance, the bride made her way up the stairs located at the rear of the church. Taking advantage of a spiral staircase directly above me, and the reflective surface around it (to bounce my flash off of), I was able to one of my all time favorite pictures this summer.
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