Are You Too Centered?

Stepping Into Their World, was so well received I found myself itching to write another post. I just had to find the time to take the photos. The weather here, this time of year, is not very conducive to outdoor photography. It rains about 80% of the time, and the other 20%...well, I find myself either at work....or sleeping. It really doesn't help that it is dark when I leave the house in the morning, and dark when we come home. I am trying to patiently wait for spring.

I had to postpone the lesson I had in mind, and go for something I could use existing photos for. I was pleased to find a nice set of photos I took a few weeks back when we had a brief break in the rain.

Today, I'd like to address subject placement. One of the most common things I notice when viewing other people's photos, is the fact that the subject of their photo is almost assuredly in the CENTER of the frame. I am not sure if it is a natural tendency or a learned habit, but normally people point the camera at the object of interest, center it, and snap the photo. It might be our desire to have balance in life, or just something we do without thinking, but I find that it is counter productive to interesting photography.

In fact, one should follow the "rule of thirds" to achieve a photo with balance and interest. "The Rule of Thirds" goes way back to painters in the Renaissance era. The aim is to create a nice background to the photo, and allow the photo to tell a story. This rule is used in all forms of artistry. Let me begin explaining this rule.

When actually taking a photo, or when looking at it in a photo editing software, imagine four lines cutting the photo into 9 equal rectangles. Simply divide the photo in thirds vertically, and horizontally. This will leave you with the 9 rectangles, and 4 intersections.



It is the FOUR intersections I'd like to draw to your attention today. If you want your photo to have interest, and draw people naturally into the entire photo, it is best to place the subject of interest in one of those four intersections. As you can see in the photo above, Sugar and her jeep are generally centered. They are not in the intersections at all. Here is how the photo looks without the lines.



It isn't a BAD photo, and some would like it just the way it is, however simply placing the subject in one the intersections I will draw the viewer eye into the photo. I find that it lends a sense of motion, or tells a better story. Your eye is led in the direction she is driving. Do you agree?



Let's look at another example. Here is the photo with sugar nearly centered.



Again, not a bad photo. As you see, I followed the techniques featured in my last post. I moved in close, and I got down at her level. There is much to like about this particular photo. I believe, however, it is a tad more interesting following the "rule of thirds". In fact, you can rarely go wrong when following this simply rule.



Yes, rules are made to be broken, but I like to think that one should have a firm understanding of the rules before trying to step out of the box. So go ahead give it go yourself, and see if you like it. Personally, it is rare that I prefer the centered version over the "rule of thirds" version. Here are some other photos taken that day to "drive" home the idea. :)



Vertical photos follow this rule as well.



Don't forget to get down at their level. Here is another example of how that particular technique makes a difference. Here I am standing looking down on her.



Taken a few seconds later while squatting down to her level.



Let's review:

1. Move in close
2. Get down at their level.
3. Don't be too centered.

We are doing great. I can't wait to hear your thoughts. Have you tried any of these tips? Do you have questions? I appreciate all the questions and idea you offered up after the last post. Soon I will be addressing lighting issues, fast moving toddlers, and ways to learn more about the camera you own.

Have a great week, and take lots of photos. Remember....the more pictures you take, the better you get.