A basic and powerful guideline for composition whether in photography or other visual arts, employing the rule of thirds can make the difference between producing a snapshot and an artful shot. I use it all the time and work consciously to frame my photos to take advantage of the rule of thirds. By dividing the frame into thirds in both directions, vertical and horizontal, and placing the main subject on one of those lines, a shot can create a sense of tension or ease.
To take the rule even further, the places where those lines intersect can add even more interest. Called power spots, one can compose the shot so that the entire subject or part of the subject, such as the eyes, fall on one of those intersections. As I scanned my photo files, I found this shot of a French Angel Fish taken on a recent trip to Bonaire. It was one that I had overlooked, but I realized that I had framed the shot with that fish smack-dab in the center of the left lower power spot. This shot was not cropped in any way during post processing – a happy circumstance since they move really fast!
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I always enjoy learning photography tricks since I know so little about it. It’s like getting a glimpse into a foreign world. 🙂
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Most cameras, even cell phone cameras can provide a grid divided into thirds, Carrie. Just something you might enjoy playing with!
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This is an awesome shot, Cathy! A great example of the rule. Love it. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Amy! So glad you liked it!
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gorgeousness!
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Besides the wonderful image, that’s a great trip for those of us that are the casual point-and-shoot type.
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Thanks, Frank. I mentioned to Carrie that many cameras, including some cell phone cameras can be set to display a rule-of-thirds grid.
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Hmmm … didn’t know that … I will look. Thanks.
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I really do have a sense of ease when I look at this, Cathy. It’s seems very natural for the fish to be there. That probably doesn’t explain what I’m trying to say. Great shot! It’s gorgeous!
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I know exactly what you mean, Amy. Yes, it does seem natural for the fish to be in that power spot. It’s almost as if we could expect something to be there. Thanks so much!
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Yes, it is right in one of the power spots. (Didn’t know that these spots had names). And it completely works. Usually I’ll leave more space where the subject is heading, but I really like this photo a lot. Beautiful.
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Thanks, Susan. Yes, I agree it would have been better for the fish to have been in the right power spot instead of the left, but maybe it’s position in the frame shows that it’s in a hurry to get away from that crazy scuba diver? 🙂
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I never consciously think of it Cathy but it creeps in nonetheless. What a beautiful blue sea and Tang!
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Thanks, Kathryn. Yes, you have a natural ability and eye for this.
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Why thank you my dear !
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Always a joy to have it come from the camera finished!
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Yes it is, Peter!
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Sweet of it to pose in exactly the right spot! 🙂
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I know – it was very considerate! Thanks, Leon.
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It does not surprise me that you have a natural feel for the power spot in a shot Cathy. I seem to own finding the weak spot. That fish looks so regal that in a past life, it might have been Queen Victoria.
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Thanks, V. I was very happy with the capture as well as the lighting. It’s always fun to encounter these angel fish – they’re really stunning and fast moving. So any shot that grabs a nice image is a score.
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right on 😎
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[…] Weekly Photo Challenge – Rule of Thirds […]
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Wow, wow, wow! It doesn’t matter what rules you use, Cathy, your underwater photography is truly gorgeous! This one, is electric! The vibrant blue, and then the fish, in the left third of the frame, draws the eye… while all the other fish compliment every aspect of this photo. It is stunning! I LOVE this one. I really could just curl up in your underwater photos and get lost for hours. xo
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Thanks so much, Dawn. This shot was kind of a happy accident but it seemed like a good choice for the challenge. Happy Monday!
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