The Rules of PhotographyUnit 57: Photography and Photographic Practice Terminology

P1, P2, M1, M2

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Rule of thirdsThe rule of third a photography that is taken where the subject/object is off centre. Elements should be placed along the lines or their intersections This creates more tension, energy and interest rather then simply centring the subject.The photograph at the top right of the page is a good example of leading lines because the intersections cross over the eye making it the subject for the photograph but not obstructing the rest of the image by placing it centre and cutting more of the main subject out. The photograph in the bottom right suits leading lines because of the main abstract building to the right but does not obstruct the beautiful background.

Examples of Rule of thirds

FramingIn photography, framing is a technique used to bring the focus to the subject. This is done to make the subject stand out better. There are many types of framing techniques. The two I found were natural framing which is when the items being photographed are used as internal frames. This is also a physical objects such as windows that create a frame for the subject being taken.

The image I prefer the most is the furthest right of he page. This is because it multiple frames in one image but you can still see the main subject of the sunset clearly. Your eye is drawn from frame to frame until you reach the Centre of the photograph.

Leading LinesThis use of lines can be used to direct the viewers attention to the subject of the photograph. These lines can be straight, diagonal, wavy or any other creative variation. Just be aware that they may also lead away from the photography subject.

Balancing ElementsPlacing your main subject off-centre, as with the rule of thirds, creates a more interesting photo, but it can leave a void in the scene which can make it feel empty. You should balance the "weight" of your subject by including another object of lesser importance to fill the space. This technique can be very complex as you can have two main subjects as shown by the image below where your eye catches the closest object to the camera (the stick). Then your eye is drawn to the rest of the image (the buildings at the back).

Symmetry & PatternsSymmetry and Patterns can make for eye caching compositions, particularly where they are not expected. Symmetry is both sides of the photo are parallel to each other. You can break symmetry or pattern by introducing tension and a focal point to the scene. Symmetry brings aesthetically pleasing balance and proportion into photography. When used correctly, it can create striking images. It is all around us and has always been associated with beauty, Depending on how you are holding the camera and how much of a scene you choose to show, you can strengthen or weaken the symmetric properties of an object or scene.

Depth of FieldDepth of Field is the distance in front of and behind a focus point that appears sharp in a photograph. Depth of field can be used to make a subject stand out as the background of the photograph becomes more blurred. I believe that this makes the photo looks the most professional, as it centers the main subject and blurs out the part of the image that the photographer does not need. Abstract photographs can be made with depth of field like the wedding photo on the far right where the bike is the main subject not the wedding. Which is what you would think the photographer is aiming at.