photography 101 – rule of thirds
Photography 101
In the “101” section of this course I want to cover 3 big topics: Framing, Light, and Technique. The goal is to improve the pictures you take everyday with your current camera. Last installment I discussed camera equipment. That was basically if you have a desire to get into photography for the first time, or if you want to get more serious and have some cash to do so. But for everyone who just wants a bit nicer pictures with your existing camera, stay tuned.
First (starting today) we will tackle framing. Here is the outline of what will be covered in the coming installments.
Framing——–
– Rule of thirds
– Shooting People
– Shooting Landscapes
– Don’t forget the background
– Creative Framing
Outline for the Light and Technique sections will be posted later.
Framing: Rule of Thirds
If you spend some time talking to photography teacher, there is no doubt they will likely touch on the Rule of Thirds. This is a pretty simple idea, but if you are really new to photography, it will be new for you. Basically, you imagine the picture you are taking split into three sections and position your subject on one of the lines. This may sound complicated, but I promise this is easy.
First of all, like all “rules”, this is really just a good technique. There are times when it doesn’t work, but it’s a good idea to try it. Ok, so most of us have taken this picture before:
Well, maybe not that exact picture, but we have all taken a picture of a person straight on. Those pictures are fine, but might not be as great as they could be. Now, lets take the same frame and cut it into thirds.
The idea is to move your camera so the person is on one of those lines. Like this:
When to use it? All the time! When shooting a single person I almost always use the rule of thirds. Extreme close-ups may be better in the middle of the frame, but not always. And group shots are often better in the middle of the frame. I also use the rule of thirds on landscapes (that pretty barn you have been eyeing up will be a perfect test to try out the rule of thirds!) This isn’t a science and by no means do you have to be exact in your placement. The point is to just get away from the center (but not too close to the edge).
I know you aren’y convinced that you need the rule of thirds…so I’m going to show you some examples. Here are a few images that I have taken that are good examples of the rule of thirds:
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I just wanted to thank you for taking the time in providing these wonderful “classes.” Perhaps you should have your “students” provide samples of their own work so you can see what progress we have made ;o)
Hey Darren. Thanks so much for the advice. Great pics by the way. Can’t wait for the next class :)
haha…that is my mug alright! I still have yet to see the ones from our learning session.
Thanks, Darren, for the photography lessons online. I took a little photograpy class at the local high school a few years, back… but somehow my photos didn’t improve that much. I’m looking forward to trying out your lessons. Also wanted to say that I’m still praying for you and Olivia… especially as the holidays come around and you both have to deal with missing Misty, while also enjoying one another and celebrating with family…. can’t be easy. It is a privilege and encouragement to see you carrying on in faith and hope in the midst of grief.
Darren,
Thanks for the photography lesson, it was my 1st, I have been taking photo’s over 40 years and never heard about thirds, My family photo’s for the holiday’s will have a more professional apearance.
Love yea and am praying for you and your precious family.
Coreen
I love the picture of the angel…did you use special lighting or was that just natural light? Saved the barn picture on my desktop…love it! Also, great lesson…thanks so much!!
Hey Darren!
Thanks for these lessons! I’m always looking for ways to improve my photography!
Erin
The great thing about this is that it works no matter visual art you’re doing! The rule of thirds works with photography, videography, drawing, basically anything involving the visual arts. It can make things like home videos look so much better if you keep in mind the rule of thirds. :-)
Thank you very much for this post!
I’ll be sure to let you know when I have some examples of putting this lesson into practice on my blog! :)
Darren,
I have been reading your blog for about six months now (have been praying along with you), and I have also been wanting to get a DSLR camera for several years now. I just discovered that Christmas will bring me a Canon EOS Rebel XS. I am very excited about your photography tips and advice!
Jeanine
Terri,
The angel is on gray photo background paper that goes from the floor and is bent up and taped to a wall. The light is an Alienbees B800 with a shoot-through umbrella and a reflector – BUT, I will be showing you how to do lighting with just a nice window in one of the next posts.
Thank you for this simple technique that makes a world of a difference.
God Bless
Thanks Darren for the tips. I love to take pictures and have been framing many of them. Your lessons are going to be a great help to me, because I really want to learn this art and perfect it.
Love ya,
Lavenia
Thank you so much for the photography tips. I have been wondering how I can learn more but don’t really know where to start. My struggle right now is Photoshop. Are you going to any basic lesson’s for that program?
Plus, I was totally unaware of the thirds concept. Thank you!!!
Darren,
A very good friend of mine just blessed me with Photoshop and Pinnacle movie making…….I can’t wait to try the third’s concept. I had never heard of that, but sure can’t wait to try it out!
I think you just helped a TON of people by telling us about the 1/3’s concept.
Thank you!
Darren,
Thanks so much for the great lessons! Right now, I have a point-and-shoot Kodak Camera that I love. It’s 5MP and 10X optical zoom, but I have been thinking of maybe investing in something for the next step “up”, like the Pentax K200D SLR camera you recommended in your previous Photography 101 post. I looked it up on Amazon and found the following:
http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-Digital-Reduction-18-55mm-Accessory/dp/B00193VJCK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1227580358&sr=8-1
Would you be able to tell me if this is the same exact camera or not? They seem to give you way too many other things for that price, so it sounds a little suspicious? :) Again, thanks a lot for your advice! It is really helpful and much appreciated!
God bless you!
Nadia,
Yes, that is the same camera. Those accessories are all very cheap though. I’d probably buy this one directly from amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-Digital-Reduction-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B0012Q72IY/ref=pd_cp_e_0?pf_rd_p=413862901&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00193VJCK&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1SNDAGWZ600GPYQMEPQW
Then, just buy the accessories you really want. Instead of the crummy tripod, maybe get an inexpensive gorilla pod, and get a good memory card from staples or something.
GREAT tip!!! I am so excited to start using your tips to get better photos!
I am going to go practice-
Hi Darren,
Your pictures are brilliant! Thanks so much for the lessons, that rule of thirds really makes sense! My husband has that down but I never manage it, my object is always way too far to one side or dead center, haha. I was wondering if you are taking on new projects? ..for baby/family Christmas portraits? Understand if you don’t have the time.
God bless!
Lauren White
Darren, thanks so much for taking the time to teach us what you know! I know I’m excited to keep learning from you!
Wow, beautiful pictures. I’m excited to try this photography tip. Thanks!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Olivia.
I’m gonna be trying this out…
Your pictures are so awesome…..!
thanks for the teaching lesson. i will be practing during thanksgiving.
I cannot tell you how much I love and appreciate your photography 101. It is great for closet photographer wanna-be’s! (Closet because of the cost of that pesky equipment!!).
Hooray, the rule of thirds is free! Thanks for the tips.