The Rules of PhotographyUnit 57: Photography and Photographic Practice Terminology

P1, P2, M1, M2

Matthew Rogero

Rule of thirdsPhotos are divided into thirds with two imaginary lines, vertically and two lines horizontally making three columns 3 three rows and nine sections in the image.

Important elements and leading lines are placed on or near the imaginary lines and where the lines intersect.

The idea is that a off centre composition is more pleasing to the eye and looks more natural than one where the subject us placed right in the of the frame.

From what we can see on the images that I have used it really describes what the rules of thirds are in terms of photography. If we look at the wasp picture, we can see that the centre position is really balanced. It is more pleasing to the eye and gives it a more natural look to it. From another image we can also see the sunset image. Again from what I have already mentioned, the image is really balanced in terms of positioning within the frame. We can see how natural the image also looks.

Examples of Rule of thirds

FramingFraming in photography is a technique used to project an image so as to completely focus a viewer's attention on the subject. Doorways and archways are usually added to an image when framing. Using a frame within a frame is a technique that brings out depth, and it can be done using Photoshop. From the images used we can see examples of framing used well. Framing is used to project the subject completely to the viewers attention. From the first image above we can see the mountains really in depth in terms of detail. From the image below we can also see framing used well in images. We can see that the main focus that you tend to see is the green door then the rest of the objects within the frame. Framing is used nearly all the time in photography, its effective because it really focus the subject or person with a lot of detail

Leading LinesLeading lines are lines within an image that leads the eye to another point in the image, or occasionally, out of the image. Anything with a definite line can be a leading line. Fences, bridges, even a shoreline can lead the eye. If you can pair leading lines with a subject that is placed according to the rule of thirds your image should be very strong. From the image that I have used, the first image is in what I believe a train station. We can see that the effect that the leading line gives out is very attractive

Balancing Elements

Balancing is elements is a technique used in photography by balancing the weight of the subject including another object of a lesser importance to fill the space.

Symmetry & Patterns

Looking around our surroundings we are surrounded by natural and unnatural symmetry. They make very interesting compositions in photography, especially in situations where they are not expected to. Another great way to use them is to break the symmetry or pattern in some way, introducing tension and a focal point to the scene.

Depth of FieldDepth of field is a characteristic of a camera that can be used to enhance the image composition of the photo. Depth of field means the sharp area surrounding the point of focus. The magnitude of the sharp area is affected by several factors. Distance between the camera and the subject, focal length and aperture.

It is important to understand how to affect the depth of field in order to utilize it in image composition. For example, the subject of the photo can be emphasized by isolating it from its surroundings by using a shallow depth of field. Shallow depth of field is usually used in portraits and large depth of field is usually used in landscape photos.