Discussion of the Rule of Thirds Click the "Get Original Uploaded Photo" link. Save it to your computer. Learn it. This is my gift to you. ------------- If the "Get Original Upload" link is not available to you, please accept my apology. Here is the URL posted in plain view and should be functional. http://images19.fotki.com/v26/filetaIX/e239f/1/1005066/4181793/70720058ambyfw_fs.jpg

(Aaak!!! I just tried to see the original size and Fotki only delivered a reduced size, making it impossible to read the text. I guess I'll have to cut it into pieces. Jan 30, 2011)

To "compose" an image, either with camera or brush, is to place subject matter in some kind of order -- or disorder. Therefore, the composition of a picture is the placement of any or all the elements within the picture. There are a number of rules of composition such as use of parallel lines, repeated patterns, fanning lines, textures, etc. Lighting is another issue even though sometimes the lines between composition and lighting become blurred. For example, textures are enhanced when the light comes from the side - any direction other than from the camera. Some people who don't know rules and don't care, make mockery of rules and try to sound brilliant by saying something like "That's how great artists became great...by breaking or not following the rules of art." Let me quickly assert that ignorance of the rules was never a fault of any artist, no matter how "out of the box" he or she may be. Learn the rules. Be comfortable with the rules. Then individuality and creativity can go into infinity. No matter how far away from the rules you may think to go, somehow there will be an element of them. NOTE: One thing I failed to mention in the image/instruction is to not be shy about moving around. MOVE. Get in the right place so that limb is maximized as natural framing...or whatever you seek to do. Lean over a rail. Climb on some rocks. ...And, by all means, hold your camera level. :-) Why, may I ask, are they called rules? Why is there a Rule of Thirds? BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN TRIED AND PROVEN FOR CENTURIES. The Rule of Thirds is the most common rule for making the eye of the viewer comfortable and move around the scene freely. Let me suggest that you copy this image file to your computer. Read it again and again. Draw the lines on your television. Make this rule second nature. I often break the rule. But it is so much a part of me that I NEVER break it before considering it. You learn to use it "on the fly." And to make a pun on that phrase: be so at home with the rule that when shooting aircraft or birds, don't center-pop your image. Learn to move with the subject and snap the picture with the subject properly framed. Okay, I'm through "preaching," lol. It is my hope that this lesson in the Rule of Thirds helps some of you to improve your already present artistic aptitude. It is one of my jobs in life to be an encourager. I will never cease to do that, even if some people misunderstand or fail to appreciate my motive. May your cameras bring you much satisfaction and joy....and maybe even a few coins! :-) --------------------------------- Added Nov 11, 2008 Here is a page with a few beautiful examples of the Rule of Thirds: http://www.photo96.com/blog/?p=371