Main subject not in the middle (Page 2): Variety is the spice of life. But the rule of thirds is probably difficult for a novice to get right. Personally I can live without the rule of...

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Variety is the spice of life. But the rule of thirds is probably difficult for a novice to get right. Personally I can live without the rule of thirds - I prefer symmetry and balance.

Joecosentino Loc: Whitesboro, New York

The second one is nicer there is still enough space on the right side where she is looking, to make your eyes wonder what's over there. The eyes also pull you away from the window frame on the left.. The first one Jst looks lifeless. I almost think I would like to see that one centered too

Well just my 2 cents

thegrover Loc: Yorba Linda, CA

Joecosentino wrote:

The second one is nicer there is still enough space on the right side where she is looking, to make your eyes wonder what's over there. The eyes also pull you away from the window frame on the left.. The first one Jst looks lifeless. I almost think I would like to see that one centered too

Well just my 2 cents

I value your remarks at more than 2 cents. Thank you.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

I've not tried this, but my guess is that when you're using the rule of thirds on people, is it going to work better if the person is looking towards (or across) the centre?

alliebess Loc: suburban Philadelphia

Both very appealing shots. The second one would also work with subject off center, moved to the left because she is looking to our right.

alliebess Loc: suburban Philadelphia

Both very appealing shots. The second one would also work with subject off center, moved to the left because she is looking to our right.

jdventer Loc: Wallingford, CT, USA

Momsince1980 wrote:

One quick tip: You should compose images with the subject or subjects of interest away from the middle of the photo. Try composing these areas off-center and see how this might improve your shots.

This has me puzzled. If I don't put my main subject in the middle, the white backboard will be in focus, but my subject will be out of focus. How can this possibly be good?
What am I missing? Does this have anything to do with the rule of three?

. You will need to focus on the main subject. This can be done on most cameras by pointing at the subject pressing the shutter half way to lock focus on the subject then, while holding half way, recompose the shot to put the subject where you want it then finish pressing shutter to take the shot. Or move the focus point to the main subject by some other means.

PhotoGator Loc: Florida

Momsince1980 wrote:

One quick tip: You should compose images with the subject or subjects of interest away from the middle of the photo. Try composing these areas off-center and see how this might improve your shots.

This has me puzzled. If I don't put my main subject in the middle, the white backboard will be in focus, but my subject will be out of focus. How can this possibly be good?
What am I missing? Does this have anything to do with the rule of three?

I use Grid on my camera to better see and apply the Rule of Thirds.
Second, I move my Focus Point to be atop of my subject (in human, animals, insects, it should be on the eyes).
Or, just Focus on your subject, lock it and recompose applying the Rule of Thirds.

Composition - Photography with Imre - Episode 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDbQLL_BcR4&feature=related

Digital Photography 1 on 1: Episode 72: Composing Portraits by Mark Wallace

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzXbSH98C3k

Improve your photos with two simple rules
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ftjb5FAcz0I

slecht Loc: texas

And I love the first shot. I see mystery and want to know more about her. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder may overrule rule of 3rd's

PrairieSeasons Loc: Red River of the North

The rule of thirds is definitely one that should be broken frequently.

Focusing on a main subject that is not in the middle of the picture may feel awkward at first. What kind of camera are you shooting with? If it's a DSLR, you likely have several options on how to do that. The first is that you likely have multiple auto-focus points, and can choose another one that is over your subject. The second is that you may have the option of "back-button focusing" (AE-L/AF-L button on a Nikon). Many find it easier to lock your focus with that button and then recompose and shoot than trying to hold the shutter release at half way.

jdventer Loc: Wallingford, CT, USA

PrairieSeasons wrote:

The rule of thirds is definitely one that should b... (show quote)

Love back button focusing. Only time I don't use it is on fast moving subjects.

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

That second feline shot follows the rule of thirds!

dar_clicks Loc: Utah

Momsince1980 wrote:

One quick tip: You should compose images with the subject or subjects of interest away from the middle of the photo. Try composing these areas off-center and see how this might improve your shots.

This has me puzzled. If I don't put my main subject in the middle, the white backboard will be in focus, but my subject will be out of focus. How can this possibly be good?
What am I missing? Does this have anything to do with the rule of three?

. . . Actually I got quite a kick out of that second photo -- not because it meets or doesn't meet "the rule of thirds," but because of the way the space, prop, and cat appear in it. There is a tension (or something) that makes the viewer wonder "what the..." ...whatever! The tension or mystery or just plain classical simplicity of its composition makes for a very interesting photo! You did something interesting and good there.
. . . I also agree with other posts -- rule of thirds can be very useful but all rules should be broken as the need arises.

Momsince1980

dar_clicks wrote:

quote=Momsince1980 One quick tip: You should comp... (show quote)

Thank you! :)

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

Momsince1980 wrote:

One quick tip: You should compose images with the subject or subjects of interest away from the middle of the photo. Try composing these areas off-center and see how this might improve your shots.

This has me puzzled. If I don't put my main subject in the middle, the white backboard will be in focus, but my subject will be out of focus. How can this possibly be good?
What am I missing? Does this have anything to do with the rule of three?

If you don't feel like thinking about composition when taking shots of your cute kitties, and don't want to worry about f-stops, zoom in to help blur a distracting background. Then crop like hell if you need to. With cats, and dogs as well, you don't always need the whole animal to make a good picture: sometimes when they're in a relaxed position you can get a nice composition with just part of the head and body.

Keep sharing your photos, please.