Digital Photography Secret 3
Place your subject off-center
Rather than placing your main subject in the middle of the screen, place it
to one side and ensure something interesting is in the background that fills the
remainder of the image.
This can be especially effective if the background has the same theme. For
example, if photographing a child opening a Christmas present, frame them to one
side and have the Christmas Tree with unopened presents filling the rest of the
image.
There are a few guidelines that cam help you place your subject in the frame.
The Rule of Thirds
One of the most popular rules in photography is the
"Rule of Thirds". It is a simple rule that can add dynamism to your photos.
Simply, divide the image into thirds both horizontally and vertically. When
composing your shot, place important elements either along these lines, or where
the lines intersect - NOT at the centre of the frame.
For example, place a subject’s eyes where the top line is, or place your
subject on the place in the image where two of these lines intersect.
It’s a very simple rule to follow and will result in a nicely balanced, easy
on the eye picture. It also helps get rid of the ‘tiny subject and large amount
of space’ tendency because you need to position items relative to the edges of
the frame.
Having said this, the Rule of Thirds is also one of the rules you’ll want to
break often! This is fine - the Rule of Thirds is more of a guideline and
sometimes you will find a better image when you break the rule.
Next time : Some tricks to get winning shots involving one of the most
troublesome subjects - children!by David Peterson
