Shopping Cart
Your Cart is Empty
Quantity:
Subtotal
Taxes
Shipping
Total
There was an error with PayPalClick here to try again
CelebrateThank you for your business!You should be receiving an order confirmation from Paypal shortly.Exit Shopping Cart

The Venture 17 Division Of Education



THE CONSERVATORY OF MEDICAL ARTS AND SCIENCES

XVII

THE SEARCHLIGHT MESSENGER

Blog

« Back to Blog « Older Entry | Newer Entry »

Do Photography Masters Follow Rules?

Posted on July 20, 2015 at 2:27 PM
What helps make a good picture? Try this activity, and you'll find out how to take better photos yourself.

Do you like to preserve a moment with a photo or tell a story with pictures? It can feel very rewarding to capture an experience in a compelling photo; it can also be disappointing when the image does not convey what you were seeing or what you had in mind.

You might wonder what makes some photos mesmerizing and gripping, whereas others look dull, empty or less appealing. It might be easier than you think to create those effective photographs.

Some easy composition rules, such as the "rule of thirds" and the "golden mean" have been around for centuries. Do compelling photos follow these rules or does it take more than rules to create an impressive composition? Could applying these rules improve your photography? Do other art forms, such as drawing or painting, follow similar rules?

In this science activity you will browse through some famous works of photographic art and investigate how often these follow some basic rules of composition.

Background

Photography classes provide students with easy to follow rules on composition to help them create visually interesting photos. One of the most popular rules is the rule of thirds. To apply this rule, look through the viewfinder of your camera, divide the image frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and place the important elements you want to capture either along these lines or where the lines intersect. Some cameras even show these horizontal and vertical "thirds" lines in the viewfinder.


A less famous but still practical rule of composition is referred to as golden mean. This rule puts more emphasis on the diagonal. To use this rule, mentally imagine a diagonal line drawn from one corner of the frame to the opposite corner and that two dots divide that diagonal line into three equal parts. Then connect these points to the remaining corners of the frame. Here again, you place the main elements along these lines or at the intersection of these lines (the dots).


Now that you know two main concepts for composition, you are ready to look at some published photos and investigate whether or not these follow some of the photography rules—and in what cases good photographs might stray from the rules.

Materials

  • A photo book (Preferably use one that includes work by many different photographers using different styles; or if you would like to focus on a particular photographer, you can use a book of his or her collective work. You could also choose a particular theme, such as nature pictures or close-ups. If you cannot find a photo book, try magazine photos or a picture book, such as those by Mo Willems.)
  • Two different-colored permanent markers
  • Two transparency films or clear sheet protectors
  • A ruler
  • Paper and pen

Preparation

  • Select a photo size that you would like to focus on. It should be smaller than the size of your transparencies and occur frequently in your book or in your selected photos.
  • Use a permanent marker to draw the outline or frame of a photo with the selected size on the film.
  • Draw two parallel, horizontal lines within your outline, such that they divide the frame in three equal horizontal strips. These lines will be used to test if the photo follows the horizontal rule of thirds.
  • Add two equidistant, vertical lines to your outline, dividing the frame vertically in three equal strips. These vertical lines will be used to test if the photo follows the vertical rule of thirds.
  • With a different-colored permanent marker, color the dots where the horizontal and vertical lines you just drew intersect. These dots will be used to test if the main elements are placed on one or more intersections of the vertical and horizontal thirds lines. This completes the template to test the rule of thirds.
  • Now use a permanent marker to make a golden mean template on a different transparency film. First draw the outline or frame of a photo with the selected size on the film.
  • Draw one diagonal line by connecting one corner of the outline with the opposite corner. Why do you think you need only one diagonal line? Rotate your frame; does that make a difference? Now flip it; does that make a difference?
  • Find the two points on the diagonal line that divide the diagonal line's length in three equal parts. Mark these points as dots with a different-colored permanent marker.
  • Using the first color of permanent marker, connect the dots you just drew, each to the closest remaining corner of the frame. This completes the template to test the golden mean rule.
  • Create a table in which to record your observations: Using a piece of paper, make a column for the following five categories: Horizontal Rule of Thirds; Vertical Rule of Thirds; Horizontal and Vertical Rule of Thirds; Golden Mean; No Rule.

Procedure

  • Browse through the photo book. For each photo that is the size of your template frame, see if you can guess which rule it might follow. Are there strong horizontal or vertical lines present in the image that are approximately at one third of the frame's horizontal or vertical size? Is the main subject placed on a horizontal third, a vertical third or on an intersection of both third lines? If so, the photo probably follows the rule of thirds. To see if the golden mean rule is used, look for a strong diagonal line. Is the main subject placed at one-third sections of the length of this diagonal line?
  • In the next steps you will classify each photo you analyze in one of the columns of your data table. Be sure to make clear references to your photos; you might want to come back to one of them later. A clear reference might include the page number in the book, the title, the date on which it was taken and the photographer.
  • Lay the rule of thirds template over the photo. Is there a clear indication that the image follows the horizontal rule of thirds, the vertical rule of thirds or maybe both? Note that it is enough if one strong horizontal or vertical third line is present to classify it as following the horizontal or vertical rule of thirds. If a main element in the photo is placed at an intersection of third lines, classify it as following both the horizontal and vertical rule of thirds. If you found that this picture follows a rule of thirds, note it in the appropriate column of your data table. Once a photo is classified, you can skip the next two steps and go to the next image.
  • Lay the golden mean template over the photo. Does it match this template, indicating that the image follows the golden mean rule? Do not forget you can flip this template to see if the diagonal matches in the other direction. If you found a match, note the photo down in the golden mean column of your data table. If you classified this photo, skip the next step and instantly go to the next one.
  • If you conclude this photo did not follow one of the basic composition rules, classify it in the "No Rule" column of your data table.
  • Look at more photographs, analyzing and classifying them as you go. Collect as much data as possible. More data will give you a more accurate idea of whether or not published photos follow one or more of the basic composition rules.
  • Once you feel you have gathered enough data, count the number of photos listed in each column of your table and write the total at the end of the column. Do your numbers show a clear pattern? Is one type of rule more common than another?
  • Add up the totals for all four columns, indicating a basic composition rule was followed. How does this total compare with the total number of photos you classified as not following a rule?What would you conclude; are these rules strong ones that need to be followed to make a compelling image or are they really just guidelines, helpful hints that can create balanced compositions? Maybe your data indicates that photos are creations of art that do not follow any rule.
  • Extra: Make a bar graph or pie chart showing the total number of photos you classified as following a rule versus the number not following a rule. Do you find it easier to draw conclusions from the visual representation than from a number comparison? Would you be able to guess which fraction of all the photos you analyzed follow/do not follow a rule from the graphical representation? You can also make a bar graph or pie chart of the number of pictures that follow each different type of composition rule. Do you find this visual representation easier to understand or faster to read than the list of numbers?
  • Extra: Use a camera and try some of these rules for yourself. Do you think using one of these rules will change the way your photographs look? You can also use a photo-editing program and reframe your photos digitally using the crop function. Does following a composition rule make your images more expressive, more pleasing to the eye and more balanced?
  • Extra: This activity focuses on the main elements in the photos. Photographers can use different compositions for the background, the foreground and the subject of the picture. Can you find these composition rules applied to different subsections of some images?
  • Extra: Study whether or not these rules are more often followed in particular styles of photos. Do you think these rules are equally effective for different types of images such as landscapes, portraits, close-ups or action shots?
  • Extra: The rule of thirds and the golden mean are well known in photography. Do you think other art forms use these rules to create balanced and pleasing compositions? Find out by browsing through some Web sites, picture books, paintings or drawings. You can even look at sculptures, architecture or objects in nature.



Observations and results

Did you find photos following one of the basic composition rules and others not following any of them?

Proportion is an important element in composition, and an excellent tool to help create balanced, appealing photos. But it is not the only one; shape, texture and color are just a few other elements to consider. Knowing this, you can see that the rule of thirds and golden mean, although handy guidelines, are not unbreakable rules. It is always up to the photographer to decide what works for a particular case.

You might have noticed that these basic composition rules work very well in some types of photos, such as action shot and landscapes. These rules often do not work as well in other areas. Close-ups or photos where symmetry is important often work better with the subject placed in the center and often don't follow the same composition rules.

More advanced photographers might use a composition rule based on the golden ratio to lead the eye and create visually pleasing compositions. The golden ratio and golden spiral can be seen in many art forms, and even in nature—like the whorls of a shell. Search further and see if you can find the golden ratio in famous pictures or in other art forms.

Categories: Arts and Photography

Post a Comment

Oops!

Oops, you forgot something.

Oops!

The words you entered did not match the given text. Please try again.

510 Comments

Reply shannon wise
9:36 AM on August 14, 2015 
well quite nicely explained ..!
every key point is touched properly right from background to materials!
Reply college essaywriting
4:23 AM on October 17, 2016 
Thank this meaningful and helpful post ! I am working as a creative consultant at online services, that is mostly for college essay writing service. Thanks a lot for the kind of perfect topic I have not a lot of information about it but I have got an extra unique info in your unique post.
Reply buy coursework
8:42 AM on June 28, 2018 
Nice knowledge gaining article. This post is really the best on this valuable topic.
Reply house washing in kenosha
11:25 AM on July 5, 2018 
Three are usually cheap Ralph Lauren available for sale each and every time you wish to buy.
Reply gcc marketing
10:46 AM on July 16, 2018 
Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It's so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also.
Reply heritage
5:18 PM on July 24, 2018 
Three are usually cheap Ralph Lauren available for sale each and every time you wish to buy.
Reply asian art gallery
9:38 AM on July 26, 2018 
I was just browsing through the internet looking for some information and came across your blog. I am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. Bookmarked this page, will come back for more.
Reply Zahnarzt Notdienst
6:45 PM on July 27, 2018 
A good blog always comes-up with new and exciting information and while reading I have feel that this blog is really have all those quality that qualify a blog to be a one.
Reply movers and packers Dubai Abu Dhabi
10:56 AM on August 1, 2018 
Really impressed! Everything is very open and very clear clarification of issues. It contains truly facts. Your website is very valuable. Thanks for sharing.
Reply movers and packers Dubai Abu Dhabi
6:26 AM on August 2, 2018 
Good to become visiting your weblog again, it has been months for me. Nicely this article that i've been waited for so long. I will need this post to total my assignment in the college, and it has exact same topic together with your write-up. Thanks, good share.
Reply cbd payment processing
10:37 AM on August 12, 2018 
I wanted to leave a little comment to support you and wish you a good continuation. Wishing you the best of luck for all your blogging efforts.
Reply beauty
6:58 AM on August 15, 2018 
Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and new initiatives in the same niche. Blog gave us useful information to work. You have done an amazing job!
Reply SEO
9:06 AM on August 15, 2018 
Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and new initiatives in the same niche. Blog gave us useful information to work. You have done an amazing job!
Reply cbd merchant account reviews
8:23 AM on August 16, 2018 
Thank you for your post, I look for such article along time, today i find it finally. this post give me lots of advise it is very useful for me.
Reply liposuction
6:55 PM on August 19, 2018 
I’ve read some good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to create such a great informative website.
Reply Dil Hi Toh Hai All Episodes
8:09 AM on August 26, 2018 
Really impressed! Everything is very open and very clear clarification of issues. It contains truly facts. Your website is very valuable. Thanks for sharing.
Reply medical events
5:54 PM on August 28, 2018 
This is truly an practical and pleasant information for all. Thanks for sharing this to us and more power
Reply Mariam Khan
6:56 AM on August 29, 2018 
Thumbs up guys your doing a really good job.
Reply Bepanah
9:38 AM on September 3, 2018 
This is truly an practical and pleasant information for all. Thanks for sharing this to us and more power
Reply Krishna Chali London
8:42 AM on September 5, 2018 
I truly like you're composing style, incredible data, thankyou for posting.

Categories

Business Education Art Medicine. ©2006-2023. All rights reserved

The Venture 17 Division Of Education

/
Lightbox image