Composition Lesson - Rule of Thirds/Focal Points
BASIC PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES
Today, photography is characterized by a rapid growth in the development of technology and ideas. Each year, millions of pictures are taken and an astonishing array of new films, cameras and imaging systems enter the market. One of the great attractions of the photography field is the ease with which basic skills can be learned.
FOCAL POINTS
What is this picture all about?
For now, each picture that you take should have only one principal idea, topic, or focal point" . Whatever that focal point is... that is the reason why you took the photo. (a photo of my dog, of a flower, of a tree in a field etc..). When I think of focal points in photography, I am reminded of the topic sentence in my papers.
A picture without a focal point or one with more than one focal point is puzzling to a viewer. Subsequently, the viewer becomes confused and wonders what the picture is all about. When the picture has one, and only one, dominant focal point, the viewer quickly understands the picture. The focal point may be a single object or numerous ones arranged so attention is directed to one definite area.
Both of the photos above have strong focal points.. based upon the color (yellow flower) against the gray (rocky background). The shape of the flower (as a star like circle) instead of the rock shapes also makes it stand out as the focal point. This photo was taken by Samuel. Thank you Samuel.
Composition: Lesson 1/Assignment 2: (2 photos)
Take a photo with a strong focal point.
Take a photos with a weak focal point.
Note the differences.
SUBJECT PLACEMENT
Sometimes good composition is obtained by placing the center of interest in the center of the picture, but it is generally not a good idea to place it there. Too frequently it divides the picture into equal halves and makes the picture uninteresting. By dividing the picture area into thirds, both vertically and horizontally, and locating the center of interest at one of the intersections of the imaginary lines, you can usually create a feeling of balance to the composition. See the Rule of Thirds picture below. Your focal point should be at one of the intersections.
Composition: Lesson 1/Assignment 2: (2 photos)
Take a photo with a strong focal point.
Take a photos with a weak focal point.
Note the differences.
SUBJECT PLACEMENT
Sometimes good composition is obtained by placing the center of interest in the center of the picture, but it is generally not a good idea to place it there. Too frequently it divides the picture into equal halves and makes the picture uninteresting. By dividing the picture area into thirds, both vertically and horizontally, and locating the center of interest at one of the intersections of the imaginary lines, you can usually create a feeling of balance to the composition. See the Rule of Thirds picture below. Your focal point should be at one of the intersections.
I hope you have a lot of fun trying out these composition skills. Your first tries might not be your best, so take a few before you decide which one to turn in to be posted.
Have Fun!
Smiles,
Mrs. G.
Have Fun!
Smiles,
Mrs. G.