There are two things that separate a good picture from a great picture. Light and Composition. While lighting is something that requires gear of varying types, composition is something that everyone with a camera, be it camera phone or Pro D-SLR, can gain skill in with just a little attention to detail. More after the jump.
The most basic rule of composition that you will read about is the rule of thirds. This is basically done by dividing the frame into 6 compartments using 2 lines. The rule of thirds states that the images “heavy” points should rest along these lines instead of in the center like most people who are used to simple snapshots. While there are situations when a centered subject is more pleasing, though even in these images it is best to create “lines of tension” along the criss-crossed lines. As you can see from the example’s main subject, the red sumac, falls on the line to the left of center.
Aesthetically speaking, this creates tension between the various parts of the image, it draws the eye in a type of circular pattern. The eye is naturally drawn to the bright red, up the plant, then into the negative space on the right hand side. There is also an out-of-focus item that lays along the right line as well, but it is muted by comparison so it doesn’t detract from the image as a whole. By shooting the image this way, the viewer is sure to see the whole picture, and not just a small portion of it.
You might thinking about portraits since the normal portrait requires one to center the subject, at least marginally. But within the confines of a “head shot” portrait the most important part to be in focus is the eyes. In the typical portrait the eyes will lie on the upper horizontal line, so the rule of thirds is followed.
I know I promised a longer post, but after i started typing I realized that it is less deep of a topic as I previously thought. Its actually pretty straight forward and easy to implement, even for the average user. So keep the rule of thirds in mind when you’re out shooting pictures and you’ll be sure to have a more professional look to your images.
Have a great day!
Tags: basics, photography, rule of thirds, thirds
