3 Feb 2011

Composition Rules

Rule Of Thirds The rule of thirds is one of the most popular 'rules' in photography and can also be applied to filming. It works like this: Imaginary lines are drawn dividing the image into thirds both horizontally and vertically. You place important elements of your composition where theselines intersect. As shown on the diagram below. As well as using the intersections you can arrange areas into bands occupying a third or place things along the imaginary lines. Using the Rule of Thirds helps the final media product be “nicely balanced” and it will seem easier on the audience’s eye. Also it can stop the main subject from being surrounded by a vast empty space.


180 Degree Rule


The 180° rule is a film making guideline that is rather basic. It says that two elements such as characters or objects of importance should always have the same left/right relationship to each other. If the camera passes over the imaginary axis connecting the two subjects, it is called crossing the line. The new shot, from the opposite side, is known as a reverse angle.