The Rule of ThirdsUnit: Composition

Ms. Lieberman, Instructor

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

Instructional Objectives:● Understand the purpose and emotional impact of

composition● Understand how to create and identify the rule of thirds● Understand the difference between images that follow the

rule of thirds and images that break the rule of thirds● Understand the importance of the visual language to

communicate ideas● Understand the link between visual arts and cultural

perception

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

Do Now: How do these images make you feel? Explain and cite specific visual clues.

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

All three are finalist in the 2016 ASME (American Society of Magazine Editors) Best Cover Competition.

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

ESPN The Magazine"Body 2015: Chantae McMillan," July 20Chin Wang, DesignerCarlos Serrao, Photographer

TIME"America, 1968 2015," May 11D.W. Pine, DesignerDevin Allen, Photographer

Harper's Bazaar"Rihanna: Killer Fashion," MarchNorman Jean Roy, Photographer

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

Let’s start with the basic concept of composition.

How would you define photo composition?

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

Photo composition is the arrangement of elements within an image.

How would you describe this image visually?

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

What is the "Rule of Thirds" (ROT)?

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

What is the "Rule of Thirds" (ROT)?

○ A compositional technique for making interesting and dynamic images.

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

What is the "Rule of Thirds" (ROT)?

○ A compositional technique for making interesting and dynamic images.■ ROT increases visual impact and interest within an

image by placing the subject/object off center.

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

What is the "Rule of Thirds" (ROT)?

○ A compositional technique for making interesting and dynamic images.■ ROT increases visual impact and interest within an

image by placing the subject/object off center.■ ROT encourages the use of negative space to create

tension.

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

What is the "Rule of Thirds" (ROT)?

○ A compositional technique for making interesting and dynamic images.■ ROT increases visual impact and interest within an

image by placing the subject/object off center.■ ROT encourages the use of negative space to create

tension.■ ROT helps to create a sense of direction and or

balance within an image.

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

What is "the rule of thirds"? ● If you divide your image into thirds

horizontally and vertically, you will have a grid that contains 4 intersecting points, called power points.○ You also have 9 equally spaced sections.

● Place your subject/object at or near the intersecting points on the grid and you will have an aesthetically pleasing -dynamic image!

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

ROT helps to create a sense of direction and or balance within an image.

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

ROT encourages the use of negative space to create tension within an image.

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

When composing an image mentally line up important objects or subjects along the intersecting points.

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

Re-cropping an image and utilizing the ROT can improve composition.

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

Why would you break the rule of thirds?

● To emphasize symmetry within an image.

● To add a feeling of confrontation to a subject.

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

Does this image follow or break the rule of thirds? ● Explain

The New York Times Magazine"The Culture Issue," October 11Anton Ioukhnovets, DesignerErik Madigan Heck, Photographer

● "Our Culture Issue explores the idea of identity and the selves we inhabit. Erik Madigan Heck’s powerfully stylized portrait of Nicki Minaj sets off her own assertive self-expression."

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

Breaking the rule of thirds is also incredibly powerful!

● Filmmaker Wes Anderson Centered 02:23

● Filmmaker Stanley Kubrick 01:44

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

Group Practice: Each student is responsible for creating images

and sharing their work.

1. Students will collaborate in small groups of 2 - 3,

a. Create a minimum of 2 pictures each with images that follow the rule of

thirds

b. Create a minimum of 2 pictures each with images that break the rule of thirds

2. Label and describe each image.

a. For example, image 1 follows the rule of thirds because.... or image 2 does not

follow the rule of thirds because...

3. Students will share work with each other and reflect on the comments of their

peers before submitting their images via email; ilieberman@schools.nyc.gov

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

○ Let's review!

○ Does this image follow the Rule of Thirds?

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

○ Does this image follow the Rule of Thirds?

○ YES!

● In the example below, you can see how the main flower intersects with the upper right power point.

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

○ Does this image follow the Rule of Thirds?

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

○ Does this image follow the Rule of Thirds?

○ YES!

● In the example below, you can see how the main flower intersects with the lower right power point.

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

○ Does this image follow the Rule of Thirds?

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

○ Does this image follow the Rule of Thirds?

○ NO!

● In the example below breaks the rule of thirds.

● The main subject/object is centered.

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element? REVIEW

○ If you divide your image into thirds horizontally and

vertically, you will have a grid that contains four intersecting

points, called power points.

○ If the main subject of your image falls near or on one of the

four intersecting points it is following the rule of thirds.

○ If your subject fall in the center of the image it is referred to

as breaking the rule of thirds.

○ An image that follows the rule of thirds tends to draw a

higher level of interest and energy from the viewer.

Aim: What does the term"The Rule of Thirds" refer to?Independent Practice:(using computers) Put your name, class and date on

the top of all work● Students will locate: (use photos without a grid)

○ 2 examples that follow the rule of thirds ○ 2 examples that break the rule of thirds

● Students will describe and label each image; ○ for example; image 1 follows the rule of thirds because.... or image 2

does not follow the rule of thirds because...● Students will email their work when complete

○ Subject heading; Rule of Thirds - examples○ Email: ilieberman@schools.nyc.gov

● When you complete the above assignment - check Skedula and complete the Reading Assignment 2

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

1. What are the four intersecting points called within your grid?

2. If the main subject of your image falls near or on one of the four intersecting points it is either, choose one,

i. (a) following the rule of thirds, or ii. (b) breaking the rule of thirds.

3. If your subject fall in the center of the image it is referred to either, choose one,

i. (a) following the rule of thirds, or ii. (b) breaking the rule of thirds.

Image 1

Image 2

Recap: Does image 1 or image 2 follow the rule of 3rds? Explain.

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

1. If you divide your image into thirds horizontally and

vertically, you will have a grid that contains four intersecting

points, called power points.

2. If the main subject of your image falls near or on one of the

four intersecting points it is (a) following the rule of thirds.

3. If your subject fall in the center of the image it is referred to

as (b) breaking the rule of thirds.

4. Share your examples with peers.

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

Exit Slip: Write in complete sentences and please check your spelling and grammar.

● Email ilieberman@schools.nyc.gov1. In your own words, summarize the term, “The Rule of Thirds”. 2. What are the pros and con of using the rule of thirds when creating images? 3. What would you like to learn tomorrow?

Aim: How can we use the "Rule of Thirds" as a key compositional element?

Future Lessons;● Perspective - low and high angles, rot

○ https://vimeo.com/37540504○ https://vimeo.com/35870502○ https://vimeo.com/34773713

● Color● Principles & Elements of Art