Photography Rules

 The Rule of Thirds 

The Rule of thirds is a guideline which was put in place and applied to the process of creating visual images. These can include; designs, films, paintings and photographs. The guideline suggests that the image should be divided into nine equal parts, placed by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two vertical. People have claimed that positioning the subject within these points can help to create tension, more energy and interest in the composition.

The image below is divided into 9 sections, the horizon of the image sits at the horizontal line on the third section of the image. The tree is placed at the intersection of the photograph and grid, this is also known as a crash point. Not all main focus points of the composition have to be positioned directly on the lines in order to take advantage of the rule of thirds. When preparing to take a photograph with the rule of thirds, it is important that you take into consideration the main focal points and put them as close as you can to the intersection lines, they don't have to be perfectly aligned just close enough, the process of taking the photograph using this method can take a little more time and thought however can help to create a better image. if you are unable to take the image with just picturing the grid, there is typically a grid within the settings of your camera or even iphone.

Leading lines 

In order to grasp the views attention, photographers use leading lines to create a specific point in the images hat they take. Leading lines are natural limes in an image that the audience would typically gravitate to when looking at an image, leading lines create attention to a certain point to lead to another point and some times even out of frame. Anything with  a definitive line such as; a fence, horizon, a bridge, road can grasp the views immediate attention. In order to create an image that uses leading lines in the correct way you need to understand how to properly utilise the leading lines. Placing leading limes paired with the subject so that they are arranged within the rule of thirds can portray a professional photograph which shows that the image is dynamic. in order to create symmetry within photographs it is important that both sided of the image a almost mirrored, creating two equal parts 

Symmetry and patterns 

In order to create symmetry within photographs it is important that both sided of the image a almost mirrored, creating two equal parts, so that both sided of the image are similar but its important to remember that they should not be the same. The two equal parts can be divided either vertically or horizontally, creating symmetrical photographs can create unanimity and harmony in an image and is much more aesthetically pleasing for the viewer to look at. There are many different ways to create symmetry within a photograph however the most common method is to just divide the image into, to create a sort of mirror or reflection within the image.

Pattern in photograph can either be man made or natural and refers to the repetition of something within the image. Pattern can be enhanced by thought provoking patterns that can be seen in graphic elements, like colour, shape, tones  forms and lines that are repeated on themselves within the composition.  Pattern can help to create highlights in photography and is used to isolate from the surroundings in the image. Applying the main focus of the photo to the pattern can portray endless repetition and can take distraction away from anything else from the picture.  

View point 

View point is a way of looking at something, in a photographers perspective the view point is what you are taking a picture of from the cameras perspective. All photographs have a subject or an area that they are taking a photograph of, when you see that subject that you wish to take a photo of you aim the camera in that direction and you take the picture, the view point is what you are aiming to take that photograph of, for an example if you were to take an eye level photograph of a person you would aim the camera at the subject so that their head is in the shot this image is taken both from the photographers and the cameras perspective and view point. The image below is taken from the perspective of a person looking down, the image was captured by tilting the camera down at an angle to show as if the photographer is looking down, this is his viewpoint.

Using the background 

The use of backgrounds in photographs is a tricky thing to master. They can be both man made and planned backgrounds or natural backgrounds ( outdoors, nature, unplanned). The fashion industry typically use colour as a background for their photographs as it can make the focus on the model stand out more, typically they use colours like white, grey or red.  Blurred backgrounds in candid photographs can also help to create the portrait of the subject in an image become the main focus. block colour as a background puts the main focus on the subject, where as if the background is already pretty busy it can be distracting and can take the focus away from the subject that you are taking a photograph of. 

Depth in photographs  

 Its pretty hard to create depth in photographs from turning a 2D image and turning it to give a 3D feel. The are many ways in order to portray depth in your images however there is no fixed rule in how to do it. Some of the ways to take photographs that show depth is to take photographs that show foreground interest, images of portraiture,  changing viewpoint, framing the scene, to use leading lines, changing angles and layering. 

Framing 

Framing is the technique of blocking of parts of the image so that the subject or image is the only focus, so that all of your attention is drawn to that particular part of the image. Natural framing if done right can create beautiful images that are elegant and captivating. Natural framing is when you use an element within your image to frame the subject in the image , framing can be created by a multiple of different things such as doors, windows, trees/branches, arches, tunnels and clouds. To take photographs with the appearance of frame work you just have to position the camera so that the subject is in the centre and the element that you are using to frame is around the sides.

Use of cropping 

Cropping is the process of removing the outer parts of an image to improve both the image and the framing of the photo. Cropping helps to accentuate subject mater and change aspect ratio, cropping depending on the application can be preformed on photographs, film and artwork. Cropping is an important technique in the editing process and if done right can portray the image in a interesting or compelling light. Nearly every editing soft wear whether that be for film or photography has a cropping tool and is very easy to use by dragging to the area you wish to crop or cut out of the image. hi xx xd

Experimenting shots 

Abstract photography, also known as non-objective photography is the type of photography that is both experimental and unplanned. This type of photography or type of shot, is a means of depicting a visual images that does not have any immediate association with the subject, but has been created though the use of photography equipment and use of materials. Abstract photography can isolate some fragments within a natural scene in order to remove the context away from the view. The purpose is to create an unreal perception from the real objects and can include the use of light, shadow ,texture and can convey a sensation or impression. 

Balancing Elements 

Balancing elements refers to the main subject within the photograph as being off-centre, even though it is following the rule of thirds. This creates a more interesting photograph however it can leave a type of void in the scene which can portray a feeling of emptiness within the image. The key to creating a beautiful image is to find the importance of balance in your images. You can balance the image by including your subject and other of less important subjects in order to fill space and create a more captivating image. Placing the subject on the outside of the image can create an uninteresting photo and views are unlikely to be intrigued, therefore the main subject of matter should always be within the intersection within the rule of thirds or within the centre of the image.

Depth of field

Depth of field is used in order to enhance your images so that they are sharp and appear to be in focus, In almost every image that will be a specific area within the image that will appear to be in front of or behind of the main subject in the photograph so that that subject is what is in main focus. The aperture of the photograph is referring to the amount of access  of light that is being given through the camera; the size of the aperture determines the amount of light that enters though the lens.  Using the aperture setting on your own camera is the simplest way to control your depth of field when you are preparing to take your images.