About Photography: Composition #1 - Rule of Thirds
Doesn't matter what camera you use or what the subject is, a key aspect that makes any photo great is composition. By far the most known rule is the rule of thirds. A simple rule to balance and add interest to your images. Although it's a rule, it doesn't mean you should never break it. There are many ways to create interesting balanced shots as long as you know what you are doing.
The Rule of Thirds
With today's cameras using the rule of thirds has become increasingly easy due to live-view. It can automatically divide the picture into 9 equal-sized parts for you to orient and position the subject in the frame.
Also the viewfinder has markers to help you out.
In theory you should place points of interest into the intersections and use the lines to divide your image which should create a more intimate image: an image easier to connect with.
Sky, foreground and sea are equally divide while the boat and stools lay on opposite sides of the frame leaving the center box empty.
Notice how the front legs align with the left line and the head is placed right at the intersection of left upper lines. Also the body is placed diagonally across the frame leaving half of the image empty. This image is nicely balanced.
More examples of good rule-of-thirds usage:
When shooting you should think about what is important in the image you are trying to make. Try positing everything important into those intersecting points and divide the picture using the lines. You don't have to be very precise in doing so, but keeping your subject off-center will already give you an interesting picture.
It's also worth keeping in mind that you can edit your picture afterwards: crop them according to the rule of thirds.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thirds
https://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds/
Rule of thirds is a bit simplification of a true Golden Mean rule which is a standard in the whole known Universe. Still, this is another good and important photo lesson for newbies. I also like this sentence:
And so @sulev, you are again going to DPS 😊
Yes, the golden rule trumps it all. I wish it was as prevalent today as it was in ancient times. Imagine all buildings and items being built following it.
thank you for sharing.....and having a skill that leads to understanding good composition with content and timing
Great photos. I use the golden ratio 1.1618 in my own painting, I literally calculate it when I'm in the sketch book phase of my work :)
Nice! It's the secret sauce of any great work! :)
Oh that's very helpful for us amateurs thanks :)
Welcome! :)
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very nice photography