Capturing Interest
The rule of third simply means mentally dividing up your picture into 9 sections using 2 vertical and 2 horizontal lines. The idea is to position important elements along those lines or where they intersect. The idea is that an off-center composition is more pleasing to the eye and more natural than if the subject is placed right in the middle of the frame.
When framing a photo, imagine the scene divided up as below. Think about what elements of the photo are most important, and try to position them at or near the lines and intersections of the grid. They don't have to be perfectly lined up as long as they're close.
Examples below:
I'm assuming most people are using a 16:9 perspective so it will look similar to the examples below. If you are using something different like 4:3 or 3:2 then the lines will look a bit different.
Rule of Thirds
In this shot the mountains and grass line runs along the bottom horizontal line while the model and the moon run along the right and left lines respectively.
For close ups you want to position the eye's along the top line or even try to get to the point of intersection for maximum interest
The Rule of Third does not always apply to every situation. Sometimes breaking this rule will result in a more eye catching photo. But I recommend learning the rule of thirds and using it effectively first.
Empty Space and Balancing
The Art of balance
Empty or negative space is the area between and around objects and subjects (referred to as positive space) in a photo.
Having empty space can be used as an advantage for isolating your subject as there is nothing to look at other then the subject. How much empty space to use can depend on the strength of your main subject.
Generally, the more powerful your subject, the more space you can include around it.
However sometimes the picture can be a little boring if your subject isn't very interesting or engaging so to counter this we have to balance the picture.
There are many things you can use to balance such as another person, object or even the environment itself.
View point and Perspective
Before shooting your subject, take time to think about where you will shoot it from. Rather than just shooting from eye level, consider photographing from high above, down at ground level, from the side, from the back, from a long way away, from very close up, and so on.
Point of View
Shoot up on objects to make them more powerful. Shoot down on subjects to diminish them or make then look less imposing.
Framing
Squaring Up
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Framing is the technique of drawing attention to the subject of your image by blocking other parts of the image with something in the scene. Basically you are creating a frame within the photo itself.
In this shot I pointed the camera through a street lamp to create this frame around the couple sharing a kiss.
In this shot the opening in the ruins create a frame around the subject.
Filling the Frame
This is a very simple technique but it's sometimes overlooked. Filling the frames is just what it sounds like, filling the shot with your subject.
You can fill the frame with a combination of ways. Zooming in with ], zooming in with Home, moving the camera with the arrow keys.
Note* Check the edges of the frames. Don’t cut off feet or hands of your subject half way unless you intend to do so.
