I remember the first time I heard about the Rule of Thirds in photo composition.
I had enrolled in a photography class at a community college. We were introduced to five basic guidelines of composition: Simplicity, Lines, Balance, Framing, and Rule of Thirds.
Rule of Thirds was new to me. With this composition you divide your photo into thirds horizontally and vertically. Tina explains it best here.
Our first assignment was without a camera. We were to look through magazines to find examples of composition. I was hooked when I realized the photos I found were directly applicable to what I had learned. The knowledge also helped me settle into what my strengths and preferences looked like.
Twenty years later, I still use the elements to direct my lens. I think the Rule of Thirds helps photos flow, and draws the eye where it needs to go. Of course that is a preference too.
A challenge to myself this week, in addition to joining Tina of Lens Artists, was to capture the distinctive eye color of the white-winged dove.
Like many photographers these days. Any photo is better with a little editing and I thought I might used my dove as an example. This original photo is ok. It is simple, with a nice bokeh background to enhance the dove. The lines in both the pot and the tree indirectly frame the dove.

In the second photo I applied the Rule of Thirds. Recognize that the bird is on the right side and because of my personal challenge I pinpointed the eye at one point with its beak facing towards the other corner. I think it flows a little better with less distraction from the jacaranda tree in the back.

The final edit, while out of focus, captured what I was trying for.

But the beauty in photography is…
Tomorrow is another day, a new month, and there is no shortage of white-winged doves.
Until next time.
Wind Kisses, Donna
inspired by: Lens Artists/ Rule of Thirds, Bushboy/Last on the card
Good explanation, Donna. Yes, there are plenty of doves. 🙂 I always wonder why there aren’t more hawks, at least where we are. Seems like they’re missing a fast food opportunity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha right?! We have a few hawks, doesn’t seem to matter. I think the owls are the bigger predator. sometimes we see the remains. My husband can’t stand the doves. Flying rats he says. Lol.
LikeLike
Just how my husband feels about pigeons and they’re much the same. There are plenty for owls and hawks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a sweet little dove! I kind of forgot about this rule. I will need to think about it again and see if I do anything different 😊 I always love your posts, Donna!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lisa.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great! Middle composition is my fave.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, me too. hands down. Thanks John
LikeLiked by 1 person
The edit looks nice and dynamic. I like the extreme close up too; true it is a tiny bit fuzzy, but the eye is womderful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I figured I would jus too with it since it made my point. It is fun to try to capture the eye though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely way you simplified the rule and easy to understand for the newbies.
Also a good example for the bokeh teaching.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I think it is fairly easy. And now when I look through magazines I find thats how I decide if I like a photo. Is it balanced. lol. Its all in fun isn’t it. Thanks again. Donna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Donna.
Could not agree more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, Donna, that is a great picture and a wonderful application of the rule of thirds. That was a new rule to me when I started blogging as well. I don’t always apply it, but it makes me stop and think as I take and process my pictures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by Marsha. I know you are a busy girl these days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Busy is fun! Hope we can get together sometime again soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. Leave for moab in a few days. We will just stay in touch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So good Donna. Love the sequence and explanation. A great Last Photo as well. Thanks for joining in 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a perfect explanation and illustration of the rule Donna, and the perfect image to illustrate it. Like John I love the middle image especially. I also loved your photo class assignment making you look at magazine images, what a clever way to emphasize the point! Terrific post, a very straightforward way to explain and demonstrate the concept. Candidly, I wish I’d thought of it!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Tina. I really do like the compositional elements to make what we love better. Glad you liked my idea. It really was pretty simplistic and often the way I look at photos later. Yes. My favorite was the middle as well. Thanks again.
LikeLike
An interesting idea to take this one photo and show how by editing it with the rule of thirds in mind it can be improved. That second version is spot on, so much better then the original!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Sarah. Love the second image the best too. Fun to play with the composition tools.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful images, Donna! Thank you for sharing your learning and photography experience for this rule. The eye of the dove is sharp, love it.
LikeLike
A gorgeous photo, Donna, and a great how-to on ways to accomplish excellent composition with your examples!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve picked a great image to illustrate the rule. Nice work, Donna!
By the way, I noticed your profile image at Monument Valley. That is such a beautiful place. We did that 3-mile hike with the trailhead that was probably right near the point from where you took that photo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I absolutely love Monument Valley. We still haven’t done the hike as it’s usually been too hot. I love the drive .
We are heading that way again next week. We will just pass by The Valley. We are camping the first night near Mexican Hat/ Bluff.
PS. It’s silly, but fun to stop at Forest Gumps photo/view point a few miles north .
LikeLike
Best photos are the ones made. And rules are made to be broken (in some instances) – rock your creativity Donna! Words and images always enjoyed 💃🏿💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kath. Glad you wandered in.
LikeLike
Great captures!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are beautiful images 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person