Rules of Photography

1. Rule of Thirds: Imagine that a 9 by 9 grid is lying on your picture, position your most important elements along these lines, or the points of intersection. In an action scene, show where they are going, not where they've been. In a portrait, have them looking into the frame. This adds balance and interest to the photo.

  This is a good example of the rule of thirds becausethe tree trunk follows the right grid line and the bottom of the clouds follow the top line.



2. Balance: Placing your main subject off center, creates a more interesting photo but may leave emptiness in the scene. Balance the "weight" of your subject by including another object of less importance in the space. Visual weight.

3. Lines: Lines naturally draw your eyes along that line. Using lines in your composition can affect the way the image is viewed. they can draw focus to the main subject but can also become a distraction, disrupting your photo.

 The clouds in this picture act as lines to guide your eye further into the picture.  They call to attention the blackness of the land instead of becoming distracted by the wild colors of the sky.



4. Symmetry and Patterns: They can create eye catching compositions in situations where they are not expected but can also tension. Create patterns but always have a little variety or your photo will become bleak and uninteresting.
 

 This photo show symmetry becuase of the cables connected to the pole. This is also a good example because, where it does have symmetry it is also varied by the sun and clouds.



5. Point or View Bug/Bird: Can have direct effect on the photo and adds drama. Birds Eye view (taken from above). Bugs Eye view (taken from below).

 This is a good example of birds eye view taken from the sky above niagra falls

6. Background and Foreground: Human eyes are excellent on distinguishing between foreground and background. Cameras tend to blend in the planes. Keep backgrounds simple and create contrast between the subject(s) and the background.

This is a good example of a contrasting background and foreground. The subject itself is the same color as the background but the ring of light makes the figure easily distinguished.

7. Depth: Always aim for a Middle ground, Foreground, and Background. Created with layers of landscapes and objects. Shoot through something to create a nice Foreground.

 This image is a good show of depth because the closest trees act as a foreground, the mountains and valley act as a middle ground and the back hills and clouds act as a background.

8. Framing: Use framing to add emphasis on the subject, trees, archways. Draws the eye to the Focal point.

This is a good example of framing because the archway is above the fountain.

9. Cropping: Often the main subject becomes lost among the cluster of its surroundings. By cropping light around the subject eliminates the 'background noise' ensuring the viewers attention on the subject.

this is a good example of croping because of the closness of the individual flowers.

10. Break the Rules: Every rule can and should be broken in the right way. Take advantage of experimenting.