Composition: Part I - Page 2
© Wendy Folse
World through the viewfinder
Rule of Thirds: Think of the viewfinder as being divided into three equal parts, either horizontally or vertically depending on the composition. Each section of the photograph should contain some information relating to the theme or subject. Does this mean that the subject must be placed dead center? No. A subject can be placed in one-third and the other two-thirds used to balance the image. For example, if you were shooting a picture of an orchestra leader in action, the conductor could be placed in one third of the image with the other two-thirds left blank. The viewer would rightly assume the blank space was occupied by the orchestra even if they cannot be seen. The space then becomes just as important as the subject.
Where the photographer chooses to place the subject in the viewfinder depends on what the subject and theme of the photograph will be. What is the photographer placing emphasis on? Is it size? Is it detail? Is it beauty? Shape? Form? Action? Is the subject moving into or out of the frame? Is it motionless? All of these questions are answered for the viewer by where the photographer chose to place the subject. Look at the next series of images.
In the above images, how does placement affect the theme? The subject is the same, the background is the same. What does placement add to the theme? Which placement is correct? That depends on the theme and the message that the photographer is trying to convey. Which one portrays downward motion? Which skier lools like its caught in a mid-air jump? Which one best displays speed? Which one exhibits the hazards of skiing?
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