Welcome to Summer School Week 6: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) THE CHALLENGE: Create a layout with the focal point at intersection 1., or 2., or 3., or 4. Your layout will have one focal point area only. THE TUTORIAL: What is “the rule of thirds?” The rule of thirds is a composition guideline or “best practice” that places your focal point in the left or right third of an image, leaving the other thirds more open. (Adobe.com). Please watch the video The Rule of Thirds in Art by Matt Fussel (~12:40). YouTube Link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQyquPmATww&t=12s After watching the video you should be able to: Construct (or visualize) a rule of thirds grid on your “canvas” using horizontal and vertical lines. Manipulate your subject – your focal point – along the left or right axis to make your composition more visually pleasing. Apply the rule of thirds concept to layout references. Understand exceptions to the rule. Apply the rule of thirds in your layout composition. EXERCISE: Observe how these layout artists used the rule of thirds in their composition. Begin by visualizing the vertical and horizontal grid lines. Then, place a circle around the focal point. First example: Answer: Discussion: I think Susanne’s (@sucali) layout is a classic example of the rule of thirds. Once the grid lines are placed, it is easy to see the photo focal point surrounded by large areas of whitespace. The large, dark fish accompanies and compliments the focal point. In addition to the visual interest, the fish facing away from the focal point adds tension. Second Example: Answer: Discussion: Kayla’s (@keepscrapping) layout is a wonderful example of the rule of thirds utilizing a large photo format. It is easy to see the “eyes” are the focal point. If you like to make full page layouts, you may consider bringing even more attention to your focal point by adding a frame. Third example: Answer: Discussion: @EllenT's layout is tricky. She has a large cluster at the top 1/3rd line. One could argue the entire cluster is the focal point. And that is fine. But I think the circled photo gets a little bit more attention being that it is on top and has brighter colors. These are good tricks to use when using multiple photographs in a layout...the top photo may get more attention, and the "brightest" photo will for sure get more attention (our eyes are drawn to contrast). Fourth example: Answer: Discussion: Cynthia's (@MrsPeel) layout is also a little bit tricky. Her entire photo pretty much takes up the right 1/3 of the layout. So yes, the photo is the focal point. But we are naturally drawn to faces...our eyes go to mother and daughter. And, there is a circle around the primary focal point giving even more emphasis to this area. Cynthia's layout follows, yet also breaks the rule of thirds "rule." This is an awesome example of "exceptions to the rule!" Now it is your turn to make a layout utilizing the rule of thirds. Recap, you are REQUIRED to have one focal point. That focal point must reside at one of the four intersections: Challenge prize: One lucky winner will receive a $5 coupon to The Lilypad store. Please tag me @ArmyGrl if you have any questions about the week 6 challenge!
Me too! Even if I don't use rule of thirds as the focal point, I almost always use the "grid" feature in photoshop.
Rule of thirds is one of the the first design and photography tools I learnt. Thanks for the revision and the challenge. Here's my page.
Thanks for another great tutorial! I'm running out of time so I used a template and the rule of thirds.
thank you so much, somehow I missed this post, so sorry for not coming here before!! thank you for the inspiration, always, @ArmyGrl !!