Composing Your Shot

It is always important to add some excitement to an otherwise static picture.

This can be in the form of:

1: Color contrasts

2: Lighting

3: Movement

4: Textural differences

All of the above help but the impact can easily be lost without the proper composition. This is where the “Rule of Thirds” is commonly used. This rule is very simple once you understand the basics. First, take your image frame and imagine 2 horizontal and 2 vertical lines evenly spaced within the frame. Now look at the areas where the lines intersect, Anyone of the 4 intersections is a great location for placing your main subject when taking your shot. What this does is create a shot where either the viewers eye moves towards that section of the shot or moves away from that section depending on the overall shot taken.

By using the rule of thirds, you create a shot which allows the viewers eye to move across the shot making it more dramatic and interesting. Try taking two of the same shots. One where the subject is right in the middle and another where the subject is within one of the 4 intersected regions. You will certainly notice a difference in the shots impact when using the “Rule of Thirds”.