PROJECT #9: RULE of THIRDS with LEADING LINES

DIRECTIONS: Make 15+ photographs OF PEOPLE using the rule of thirds and leading lines as a compositional rule. Each photo should have your main subject (the person) in an intersection in the foreground, and the leading lines in the middleground and background should lead our eye to your main subject.

WHAT IS THE RULE OF THIRDS?
The RULE OF THIRDS is a compositional rule which is recommended for two-dimensional image making. An image could be divided equally by two vertical and two horizontal lines. In general, the four intersections of these lines will be the most interesting places for the main subject(s).

The Rule Of Thirds is a method of arranging subject matter within a two-dimensional frame to maximize a harmonious relationship between all planes of subject matter (foreground, middle ground, background). It is used by photographers, painters, film makers, television shows, etc. As one looks through the viewfinder, compositional lines are drawn (mentally) across the picture frame to divide the image into thirds both horizontally and vertically. The photographer places important elements of the composition where these lines intersect.


By placing your subject in one of the intersections, one creates a dynamic composition that allows the viewers eye to be drawn to different parts of the compostion in an ordered manner. The viewer is allowed to determine the relationship between 'close-up' subject matter and its relationship to the middle distance and background subject matters.

Click on the following titles to be taken to websites about the Rule Of Thirds:
Rule Of Thirds

The following addresses explain the Rule Of Thirds further:
Rule Of Thirds by Kodak
Rule Of Thirds by Silverlight.co.uk
A Beginner's Guide To Rule Of Thirds

Rule of Thirds from Drew Keller on Vimeo.



RULE OF THIRDS




Most people will put the seagull right in the middle which is the “dead center”.





The artist places important elements of the composition where these lines intersect. By placing the subject in one of the intersections, one creates a dynamic composition that allows the viewers eye to be drawn to different parts of the compostion in an ordered manner. The viewer is allowed to determine the relationship between 'close-up' subject matter and its relationship to the middle distance and background subject matter.









RULE OF THIRDS


...and some more examples.











WHAT ARE LEADING LINES?

Leading lines are lines within an image that leads the eye to another point in the image, or occasionally, out of the image. Anything with a definite line can be a leading line. Fences, bridges, even a shoreline can lead the eye. If can pair leading lines with a subject that is placed according to the rule of thirds your image should be very strong.

How to use leading lines for better composition. CLICK HERE.


Dorothea Lange photo of the Great Depression.

SOME BACKGROUND ROOTED IN SCIENCE & NATURE:



THE FIBONACCI SEQUENCE & THE GOLDEN MEAN
In visual art, Fibonacci numbers are sometimes used to determine the length or size of content or formal elements.

LINKS
A site that contains an explanation of the Golden Mean and its relationship to the rule of thirds HERE
Another site HERE
An explanation of the Fibonacci sequence HERE.
An animation of the Fibonacci sequence HERE.
Another explanation of the Fibonacci sequence HERE.
A site outlining the mystery of the Fibonacci sequence HERE (Really good!)