You may think you “don’t need no stinkin’ rules” when you shoot video. Rules are old school… lame… a lazy technique for the unimaginative. But if you learn only one rule for shooting, learn the rule of thirds.
What the heck is the “Rule of Thirds”?
Media Notes Episode 11 | Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds is one of the most important things to learn when you start shooting. It’s the basis for pleasing, well balanced and interesting shots. Sure it is a formula, but with practice you may find it is a great starting point for shooting.
Why would you need this rule? Using the Rule of Thirds helps produce nicely balanced, easy on the eye pictures. All too often a photographer only looks at the center of the frame when shooting… so focused on the subject they just plop it into the middle of the frame. Boring.
What is the rule of thirds and how do I use it?
So what exactly is the rule of thirds? When you are looking at your camera’s screen, before you press the record button, imagine your picture area divided into thirds horizontally and vertically… So that you have 9 rectangles. The intersections of these imaginary lines suggest four options for placing the center of interest.
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The rule is simple to implement. You can place points of interest in these intersections as you frame your shot.
Your options for compositions and what you select depends upon the subject and how you want that subject to be presented. You can use a single point for the focus or an entire line. For example, a good technique for landscapes and establishing shots is to position horizons along one of the horizontal lines.
The most important questions to be asking of yourself are:
- What are the points of interest in this shot?
- Where am I intentionally placing them?
The rule of thirds is there to help you when you are uncertain how to frame a shot. The theory is if you place interesting stuff where the lines cross it will improve the look of your shots. Balance in the picture can often be achieved by placing a secondary object (known as a "counterpoint") at the opposing intersection.
Remember, following a rule can stifle your creativity. Knowing when not to follow the rules is just as important as knowing when to. As you are composing your shot the rule of thirds can act as your destination or it can be a starting point. After all, its up to you to know which rules to follow when you are telling your own story.
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