Rule of thirds: OK, I have read hundreds of posts on here and there is a lot of mention of this rule of thirds topic. For the sake of the newer folks as well as some of us not so...

Steve M Loc: Chester, NS, Canada

OK, I have read hundreds of posts on here and there is a lot of mention of this rule of thirds topic. For the sake of the newer folks as well as some of us not so professional folks, could some of you more experienced folks give us all some pointers about this rule of thirds.

I want to learn more so I can make my photos better.

I did a quick Google and found this:

http://vimeo.com/14315821

Some photo examples would be much appreciated.

Thanks for any and all comments.

Steve

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Take a look at part 4.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-96521-1.html

Hope this is helpful!
Pat

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Steve M wrote:

OK, I have read hundreds of posts on here and ther... (show quote)

"The Rule of Thirds" goes way back before digital photography, since it's a basic part of the way humans see things. Google will get you more info than you want on this topic. Some say that rules were made to be broken, but I doubt it.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

Try this on for size...

https://www.google.com/search?q=fibonacci+spiral+photography&client=firefox-a&hs=0nE&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ei=5aqgUYWAO5PK4APp-ICwCA&ved=0CC4QsAQ&biw=1280&bih=591

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

OnDSnap wrote:

Try this on for size...

https://www.google.com/search?q=fibonacci+spiral+photography&client=firefox-a&hs=0nE&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ei=5aqgUYWAO5PK4APp-ICwCA&ved=0CC4QsAQ&biw=1280&bih=591

That whole fibonacci thing is weird. By the way, get rid of the "s" in "https" when you post a link.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

I think it's fascinating, We studied it back in art school and I still to this day am amazed how in depth in can be.

Regarding the "s" Thanks Jerry I know, I was talking on the phone when I posed and didn't realize it hadn't gone live.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

The photo in this article shows a grid. The Rule of Thirds generally suggests that you position your subject in one of the 4 spots where the lines intersect.

http://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds

Here are results of the UHH weekly contest that had that as theme. Some followed the rule, some didn't :)

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/photo_contest_ratings.jsp?pcnum=45

Steve M Loc: Chester, NS, Canada

Jerry, Doug and Linda: Thanks for the comments and info. For some dumb reason, I always forget about the search function on the HOG. Worst thing is that my bridge camera has a setting to display the rule of thirds grid right on the rear display. What could make it simpler. Now if it would stop raining, dry up and the sun come out so I can put this to practice, I will post some pictures. Weather is calling for some sun this afternoon so look for more pictures of me practicing.

Thanks all

Steve

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Just remember that rules are guidelines not absolutes

The rule of thirds is a popular guideline for image-making and requires the subject to be positioned off-center. It is claimed that following this technique will create more tension, energy and interest in photo composition. But be careful not to over-think your composition. Although Henri Cartier-Bresson created images that were perfectly composed and balanced, he actually often shot spontaneously and frequently spoke about working on instinct. Ansel Adams is famous for saying: There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.

Steve M Loc: Chester, NS, Canada

mborn: Very good advise. I think my style of photography is more spontaneous than anything. It's the way of the world today, everything is moving so quickly. I guess it's like that old saying, "Stop and smell the roses". That should apply to me as well. Slowly learning to slow down and compose rather than click, click, click.

Thanks for the comments

Steve

winterrose Loc: Kyneton, Victoria, Australia

Steve M wrote:

mborn: Very good advise. I think my style of photography is more spontaneous than anything. It's the way of the world today, everything is moving so quickly. I guess it's like that old saying, "Stop and smell the roses". That should apply to me as well. Slowly learning to slow down and compose rather than click, click, click.

Thanks for the comments

Steve

One common error in composition; don't only look at the subject in isolation but how the subject, its surroundings and its background appears in the viewfinder as a whole. Look around and take into consideration what else is there before pressing the shutter and recompose as necessary. Rob.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

winterrose wrote:

One common error in composition; don't only look at the subject in isolation but how the subject, its surroundings and its background appears in the viewfinder as a whole. Look around and take into consideration what else is there before pressing the shutter and recompose as necessary. Rob.

True Take your time

profpb Loc: Venice, Florida

I concentrate on capturing the subject in the best focus, light, DOF, background, etc. and then crop for the rule of thirds if it warranted. Sometimes it is and sometimes not.

DaveMM Loc: Port Elizabeth, South Africa

jerryc41 wrote:

Some say that rules were made to be broken, but I doubt it.

"Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men" - attributed to the WW2 legless flyer, Douglas Bader. A lot of truth in this, not only for flying!
see http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Douglas_Bader

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

mborn wrote:

Just remember that rules are guidelines not absolu... (show quote)

Correct the "Rule" of thirds is, as all rules were made to be broken...However, the Fibonacci Spiral, Fibonacci numbers, Eye of God, etc. etc. goes way beyond the rule of thirds...