The Rules of PhotographyUnit 57: Photography and Photographic Practice Terminology

P1, P2, M1, M2

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Rule of thirds

• Division of a photo so the focal point is in the intersection

• This is to make the photograph more interesting and can be used in both landscape and portrait pictures.

As you can see the tree and the baby are off centre.

Framing

• Is a technique used to bring focus to the subject

• Using natural and unnatural frames.

• Using arches or trees, or using someone arms.

The use of the dark in the arch way photograph helps show the framing. This really brings out what is through the arch way.

Leading Lines

• Taking your eye from the foreground to the background.

• Mainly used in landscape.

• Brings you into the photograph.

These photographs really brings you into the picture. This is done by going from wide to narrow.

Balancing Elements• Placing your main subject off

Centre, as with the rule of thirds• Creates a more interesting photo

but it can leave a void in the scene which can make it feel empty

• You should balance the ‘weight’ of your subject by including another object of a lesser importance to fill the space.

This is very similar to the rule of thirds. However, the photo is balanced with something else.

Symmetry & Patterns• Mainly uses centre and

doesn’t use rule of thirds. Creates a strong focal point if it’s a mirror image

• Usually mirrored images are done in post to create the illusion of symmetry.

Symmetry is an interesting element to add to a photograph. With the 1st photograph the shadows and the reflection really makes the picture interesting.

Depth of Field

• Does not change from sharp to un-sharp.

• Shallow depth of field is where a lot of the background isn’t in focus.

Depth of field is the best way to add detail to a picture. Bringing the main person or prop in focus.