-Production Skills-

Rule of Thirds

The theory of rule of thirds is that if you place points of interest in the intersections or along the lines that your photo becomes more balanced and will enable a viewer of the image to interact with it more naturally. Studies have shown that when viewing images that people’s eyes usually go to one of the intersection points most naturally rather than the center of the shot – using the rule of thirds works with this natural way of viewing an image rather than working against it.

Close up- Successful shot:

This shot proved successful as Seth's eyes are specifically located on the upper horizontal line which allows an audience to focus on is facial expression rather than background images.

Close up- Unsuccessful shot:

  In contrast, this image of Seth displays an unsuccessful use of the rule of thirds. Seth is not positioned closer to one of the image as seen previously and so our eye is not forced to follow Seth but the brick wall. Therefore the viewer is not captivated and so will not linger on the image.

Landscape- Successful Shot:

This is photo successfully portrays the rule of thirds as we ensured Catherine stood within the left vertical line which makes her the focal point of the image despite background distraction.

Landscape- Unsuccessful shot:

Alternatively, this shot displays a photo which incorrectly follows the rule of thirds as Catherine is standing outside of the central box and is not aligned with a horizontal or vertical line, meaning that the viewer's eyes is not drawn to her but instead the bench at the bottom of the shot.