Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is known as the “rule of thumb”. It applies to the process of creating photographs (or paintings or designs). The guidelines divide the image into nine equal parts so that important elements are placed along the guidelines or their intersections. The intersections are where the horizontal and vertical lines cross. The rule of thirds creates more tension, energy and interest in the image, as the image is not centred but slightly to one side.

The rule of thirds, a photograph with the guidelines.  The bee’s eye is placed on an intersection, as it is an important element. The image is based to the right instead of centred; this is more interesting as there is only a limited space for background instead of having a plain background on both sides of the main focus of the photograph.

The rule of thirds without the guidelines. The main element of this image is the hut to the right of the image. This is interesting because it is a shot of the landscape but still holds a key feature (the hut) within the photograph without making the image all about the hut.

What makes a photo interesting?

Lighting

Lighting makes a photo interesting because you can light an image from any angle; above, below, from the left, from the right, from behind or from in front.

Composition

The composition can make a photo look interesting as it is the different parts of an image; by adding things in then you can create a whole different theme to the photo than to what it was at first.

Simplicity

Simplicity is interesting in a photo because it is more natural and more relatable; it also then helps you to focus on the main aspect of the image instead of being confused as to what the moral of the photo is.

Angles

The angles that are used in an image can give a whole different outlook on the image, for example by taking a picture of a person from below, you are making the person seem bigger than they actually are (larger than life). 

Shot Type

The type of shot taken, for instance a close up shot would be useful and interesting to show a facial emotion whereas a long shot wouldn’t be suitable.

How to download a photo from a camera to a Mac

1.Take a photo on your camera.

2. Using a Fire-wire Cable or an SD Card, connect your camera to a Mac.

3. The cable will connect to the Mac via the back of the computer or the memory card will slide into a slot on the side of the monitor.

4. On the computers desktop will appear an icon usually entitled ‘Untitled’, if the cable or card is named, the name will come up.

5. Click on this icon. Files will appear from either on the camera or on the cameras memory card. Highlight the photos you would like to use and upload to the Mac.

6. Drag these images onto your desktop and rename them appropriately. Create a sub folder within your photography folder; drag the images on your desktop into your new designated folder. The images will then save into this folder.

7. Back on the desktop, right click on the icon for the cable or memory card and select ‘Eject’. Without doing this you may damage or lose data from the camera or memory card. Once the icon has disappeared from the desktop, it is safe to remove the cable or card as it has been ejected properly.