Exercise 4 ( The Rule of Thirds & Principals underpinning Composition)

13/09/13
Francis Jason Wong Chin
(0316060)
Introduction to Photography
Exercise 4(a) and 4(b)

Lecture:
The Rule of Thirds
This week class was about The Rule of Thirds. Mr Vinod says that it was more a guide than a rule for photography. The photography rule of thirds tells us to align our subject with one of the points where those lines cross. That means our subject is one third of the way into the picture space from either the top or bottom, and from either the left or right. And that means it’s not in the middle. The picture below shows it:

Not in the middle

Counterpoint

We also learned how to create a counterpoint to enhance the picture composition. It is done by placing a secondary focal point at the diagonally opposite thirds position of the primary focal point like the picture below:

Counterpoint

Triangular Composition

This is a method of placing a secondary and tertiary focal point alongside a primary focal point to enhance the image.This gives a sense of depth into a photo and may show dominance in an image. Credits to Mr Vinod for this.

Principles Underpinning Composition
Principles of Design also underpin composition. These principles can also be used when composing or considering elements within a picture.

These principles of design are:
•Domination/Emphasis
•Isolation
•Balance
•Repetition
•Alignment
•Contrast•Rhythm
•Symmetry/Asymmetry
•Harmony

Exercise 4(a):

The first exercise was to capture 3 images using the rule of thirds:

1. Using 1 person

2. Using 3 persons

3. Using a scenery

Here are the results for exercise 4(a):

1.Using 1 person

f/8  S 1/100 ISO 200

2.Using 3 persons

f/8  S 1/40 ISO 200

3.Using scenery

f/8  S 1/200 ISO 200

Handout:

Reflections for exercise 4(a):

After taking the pictures, using the rule of thirds and the zone system make the pictures look more attractive. The focus point match perfectly with the background of with the secondary focus point. It doesn't create a bulky composition, I can see that the composition can breath. This week was really helpful as I learned how to get a good photo composition.

General Feedback:
Mr Vinod said to us to be more distinct and original.


20/09/13
Exercise 4(b): Principles Underpinning Composition

Take 4 Images adhering to any of the mentioned principles below:

• Domination/Emphasis 

• Isolation

• Balance

• Repetition

• Alignment 

• Contrast 

• Rhythm 

• Symmetry/Asymmetry

• Harmony

Here are the results for exercise 4(b):

Domination/Emphasis
f/8 S 1/60 ISO 200

Harmony
f/8 S 1/25 ISO 200

Balance
f/8 S 1/30 ISO 200

Isolation, Contrast
f/8 S 1/60 ISO 200

Handouts for exercise 4(b):

Reflections for exercise 4(b):

During this exercise I learnt  how to use principles when taking pictures. Each composition has its own principles. Too much principles may make the picture look too complicated.

Feedback 4(b):
Principles for picture 2 and 4 did not match. For the other 2 pictures, the principles match but was not so strong.