The Rules of PhotographyUnit 57: Photography and Photographic Practice Terminology

P1, P2, M1, M2

Callum Harrison

Rule of thirdsRule of Third is where a photograph is divided in order for the focal point to be clear, the focal will be on the left or right of the full Photo on the intersection.

Although the focal point can be in different places I personally prefer the focal point on the left or the right of the image.

Here are some examples of rules of third with the focal point being placed on the right of the image.

Examples of Rule of thirds

FramingFraming in Photography is the use of natural or created images to frame a Photo taken. The focus of the Photo will be in-between the frame.

The images to the right show different examples of natural framing which I believe is the better option when it comes to framing. Framing naturally makes the image more interesting to look at.

Leading LinesLeading Lines is a Photo that has the effect of leading you to something else, For example a road that leads your eyes to the background.

Leading lines will often be used as a way to draw your attention to a certain part of the image where the focus will be.The focus of the image will more often than not be at the back of the image which is why the lines are used to draw your attention to that part of the image.

The images to the right are all very good examples of leading lines and successfully draw our attention to the background.

Balancing ElementsBalancing Elements Is where there is a focus to the image but there is also something else less important in the photo background. This could be a building or even a color.

Symmetry & PatternsSymmetry & Patterns can be a natural symmetrical image or one that is created, the mirror image makes the photograph interesting to look at as its quite hard to find something that is perfectly symmetrical. They can have strong graphic elements – Lines, Shapes, Colours, Repeat themselves.

I think symmetry works well in photograph especially when the symmetry is natural. It gives us an interesting look on the image.

Depth of FieldDepth of field is where there is a key focus to an image, the focal point is shown by being the only part of the photo that is in focus and the rest of it will be blurred.

Depth of field is used frequently in photography as it is a good way to focus our attention on detail and I believe it works very well as the blurred background keeps our focus on the subject rather than the background.