RULE OF THIRDS

FIRST...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.

An animation of the Fibonacci sequence HERE.


NATURE BY NUMBERS from Cristóbal Vila on Vimeo.

NOW, RULE OF THIRDS.
The RULE OF THIRDS is a compositional rule for two-dimensional image making. An image is 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).

It increases 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, you creates a dynamic composition that allows the viewers eye to be drawn to different parts of the composition 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.

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.

ADDITIONAL 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.
Another explanation of the Fibonacci sequence HERE.
A site outlining the mystery of the Fibonacci sequence HERE (Really good!)

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

PROJECT #15: THE MAGIC/GOLDEN HOURS

DEFINITION
In photography, the golden hour (sometimes known as magic hour) is a period shortly after sunrise (blue) or before sunset (golden) during which the Sun is lower in the sky.



DIRECTIONS
First, general sunrise & sunset times are HERE. (CLICK HERE).

For next class, bring back TEN+ images that you make during the magic hour over the next few days.

This rationale for this set of photographs is simply to have you observe and record the type of light that occurs during the "magic hour."
Subject matter is of your own choosing AFTER you have made at least HALF of your images of a person.

Compose your photographs the RULE OF THIRDS composition.

Extra credit will be awarded for morning magic hour photographs (for obvious reasons :)

EXTRA TIPS, ETC. 

There are apps to find the hour(s) in your location:

Link. CLICK HERE.
Wiki definition. CLICK HERE.
A few tips. CLICK HERE.
Golden hour tips. CLICK HERE.
A good link. CLICK HERE.

PROJ #14: PORTRAIT ODDNESS (In-class tutorial)

DIRECTIONS: 

1. Make a few PROFILE photographs, and a few STRAIGHT-ON photos of AT LEAST THREE PEOPLE.

2. Keep the background plain (to make easier the selecting of the face)

3. Combine the photos for each person to create an image as displayed below.

Flattened + Black/White + Filter (tinted)

YOUR GOAL IS: