RULE OF THIRDS - REAL PHOTOGRAPHY TIP

I usually post a black and white after Fiday Skywatch but for a change went with colour but something a little different. Often you hear Photogrpahers/Artists use a phrase called "rule of thirds." We are talking photography rule of thirds, not scuba diving, just to add to the confusion which is something very different indeed.


The rule of thirds is a compositional rule of thumb (mainly used) in photography and a range of other visual arts such as painting and design. What is it though? The rule states that an image can be divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines. Think of the grid you would draw for the game of noughts and crosses. The four points formed by the intersections of these lines can be used to align features in the photograph. Proponents of this technique claim that aligning a photograph with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the photo than simply centering the feature would. I didn't say I agree, I just said that is the supposed rule.


Rule of thirds in photography is considered by many to make images more aesthetically pleasing and professional-looking. The rule of thirds can be applied by lining up subjects with the guiding lines, placing the horizon on the top or bottom line instead of the center, or allowing linear features in the photograph to flow from section to section.


So the image today adheres strickly to the rules. The horizon is the top third horizontal line, not the centre. The swallow( yep that bird is a swallow) is on the lower third horizontal line. The swallow is also in centre of the middle section of the two veritcal lines.


Personally to me rule of thirds should be used as a guideline and not the norm. I chose the most basic image I had to demonstrate the thirds rule, and the horizon is the most quoted for it's use.
Take a look at my photography and you will note the times I subscribe to the rule, mainly sunsets, otherwise no I don't. Why? I would take photographs that would bore me and if I'm bored buyers are bored. Get your technique right but think for yourselves, be creative. This image, for demonstration purposes only, was taken on the beach Ramsey, looking across to England, which is the hazy land mass you see.

UNDERNEATH THE RAMSEY ARCHES

This little archway is situated on the stretch of beach between the towns of Ramsey and Maughold. If you continue the walk towards the right side of the image, tide out you can walk round the sweeping bay, over rock pools to Maughold Beach.

It can only be accessed when the tide is out, so visitors to the town could miss this, a lot of locals do, but it's worth the short walk out. If you follow the stream inland it leads back to the main road leading down into Ramsey Town Centre. No groovy signs to point the way here though like yesterdays post! Along the way you'll pass an array of wild birds, frogs, toads and if you're lucky the odd rabbit. So far I have not been lucky enough to snap a rabbit, well not here anyway. It's perfect for photographers, just wait a while and wildlife will come to you and hang around long enough for you to start snapping.

Just after I shot this image the tide ebbed it's way in and I had to walk briskly to get to Ramsey Pier. I think it was worth crossing the stream and getting wet boots to shoot though. Speaking of my funky blue suede walking boots they are poorly and need of repair. They are my old faithfuls, really funky and with my skinny black jeans and do make me look like a fly stuck in ointment. Yeah, but I can walk through anything in them. Even the ensuing tide.

By the way I would like to say how clever I was to snap the dog owner in one arch and the dog in another but not so. Serendipity again, they just happened by that way as I snapped. No on second thoughts, I am such a photographic genius I spotted them and composed the juxtaposed dog and walker in each dividing frame. Honest!