The Rule of Thirds & Principals underpinning Composition (Week 7)

21th March 2014
Chuah Tien Ling
Introduction to Photography
Exercise 4: The Rule of Thirds & Principals underpinning Composition

Lecture: 

During today's lecture, Mr. Vinod told us about Principals underpinning Composition. For the Rule of thirds, he just gave us a short briefing because we told him that we have learned that the day before.  Basically, Rule of thirds is a powerful com-positional technique for making photos more interesting and dynamic. In the rule of thirds, photos are divided into thirds with two imaginary lines horizontally making three columns, three rows and nine sections in the image. It's something like a guideline. 

Besides the Rule of Third, there are principles that can be used when composing and considering elements within a photo.
They are:
        - Domination / Emphasis

        - Isolation

        - Balance

        - Repetition

        - Alignment

        - Contrast

        - Rhythm

        - Symmetry / Asymmetry

        - Harmony

General Instructions: Exercise 4: The Rule of Thirds & Principals underpinning Composition
The fourth exercise explores the rule of thirds composition and its limitations. Having understood the rule of thirds and the principals underlying composition students are given the task to explore and showcase their understanding. The task given will assess students’ ability to apply suitable composition of a pre-determined subject.

4a) Rule of Thirds (5%)
Marking Criteria: The student must show evidence of knowledge and ability to use the Rule of Two-Thirds under the prescribed circumstances. Evidence of composition enhanced by cropping is acceptable in order to heighten the dynamism or intensity of the picture. Students must showcase their knowledge on exposure using the zone system.

Specific Instructions
Exercise 4a: Rule of Thirds
Capture 3 Images adhering to the Rule of Thirds
Using 1 person
Using 3 persons
Using a scenery
When placing the image on the document for printing; place one image with the Rule of Third lines visible and another without the lines side by side (as instructed in class)

(Put to use what you have learned in the Zone system exercises here)

Using 1 person

Using 3 persons

Using a scenery

Exercise 4b: Principles underpinning composition
Capture 4 Images adhering to any of the mentioned principles below:
Domination/Emphasis • Isolation • Balance • Repetition
Alignment • Contrast • Rhythm • Symmetry/Asymmetry
Harmony
Print all 4 images on an A4 as instructed in class.

(Put to use what you have learned in the Zone system exercises here)

Alignment

Dominant 

Symmetry 

Contrast

 Repetition 

Alignment / Repetition

*EXTRA*

Symmetry 

*EXTRA*

Harmony

Isolation

*EXTRA*

Reflection:

Throughout this lecture and the exercise. I am now really understood that the concept of taking a wonderful picture. In the picture, we shouldn't include too much things or always place out main object in the centre. For making a picture alive and bring out the feeling, we should apply The Rule of Thirds & Principals underpinning Composition. And so, this exercise was like a examination. because, I have to apply what have I learned into one picture. Especially, the shutter speed things. I have to ready before it comes. I have to shoot it like only one times. I was really fail a lot of times before. Now, I am still like seriously can't use it well. Have to practice a lot.

Feedback: 

Mr. Vinod said it fine. only my isolation for the extra part is not that clear. others is all good.