So, since I last updated the photography section, I have purchased and begun to use the Nikon SB-400. This simple little flash allows you to bounce light off walls and ceilings. I look forward to making some test shots and showing you what I learn and discover with it at a later date.
This week I want to talk about the, “rule-of-thirds” or “ROT.” This rule is the foundation of modern composition and is something I think about almost every time I put my eye up to the eyepiece of my camera. The rule or guideline goes like this: divide the image frame of your viewfinder into three equally spaced regions vertically and horizontally. Then, compose the shot making one or all of the areas of interest in the photo to where these vertical and horizontal lines intersect.
Mental Rule of Thirds overlay
It is said that the image will be more appealing visually and mentally if this simple rule is followed. Another great use of this “grid” is when framing a landscape photo. Instead of putting the horizon in the dead center of the frame move the camera up, putting the horizon in the lower third of the frame or move the camera down, putting the horizon two thirds up in the image. You may be wondering which is best having one third as the horizon or two thirds at the horizon. The truth is if you place the horizon so that only the bottom third is the horizon and the rest is sky, more emphasis is placed in the area where the sky is. If you decided to flip it meaning two thirds of the image is now below the horizon, emphasis shifts to what is below the horizon. In other words, if the point of interest is below the horizon move your camera down to the two thirds below the horizon. If the point of interest is a cloud or sunset place the horizon at the lowest third allowing the sky dominate interest and allow your picture to have the greatest effect.
Now, I’m going to tell you that not all photos follow this rule. There are many reasons why in some cases, this rule should not be followed. Just like in everything that has rules, rules are meant to be broken!! This is just one of many tools in a photographer’s bag-of-tricks used to emphasize a certain message or theme in photography.
