Week 2

Week number two and Fall has arrived in Iowa. It seems irrelevant because my photos ended up inside again but every window in the apartment was open and I'm burning a blackberry candle while editing so it feels like it. The leaves have only just started to change, so expect some outdoor work this coming week and a little nostalgia set to old OneRepublic songs.

Today I'll be talking about the rule of thirds and why it's not really a rule but first I want to talk about the inspiration for today's photo. On occasion things trend among photographers on Flickr from tin foil crowns, portraits during golden hour, and balloons. It doesn't happen all the time or very often but for the last month the use of black paint seen some sort of popularity. It's been used by Rob Woodcox, David Uzochukwu, and Rachel Baran (Seriously, check them out).

I don't always jump on with trends but this one seemed like fun and a good place to sort of jump off from with a little extra direction because now there are three shots I can't take. I'll think about them, of course, but, using my good friend Rachel, I'm gonna put my own spin on it.

We used more string lights, my great grandmother's curtains, some string, and some black tempura paint ($5 at Micheal's; $2.50 with a coupon—Pro-tip: Micheal's will always have a coupon) and this is what the set looked like (and I still haven't pulled those curtains down).

So, what is the rule of thirds? This: Divide your image into a 3x3 grid. The four intersecting points are points of interest and often where they eye goes first. Essentially what it means is don't place your subject in the very center because the most interesting shots usually have more to offer than centered ones.

My own attempt at an example:

This is the original shot (edited though) and the subject is lined up in the very center of the frame

This is that same shot, cropped to fulfill the rule of thirds in an effort to be more interesting.

A trick I've picked up: Center your shot then bump it to the left or right (with a little bit of consideration of course) but that's an easy habit to pick up and it will improve your photography.

Furthermore, go ahead and break that rule. Break it today or tomorrow or a year from now. If you're aware that you're consciously breaking then you've already considered the composition of your shot and with that intention, by some definition, you're a photographer.

And feel free to ask me anything:

allison@trebacz.com

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