PROJECT 2 -
EXERCISE 1.2: POINT
"A point is the smallest graphical element, if you join many points together you make a line. In mathematics a point doesn't have any weight at all, it indicates a place. So compositionally, a point has to be small within a frame and its position is generally more important than its form.
Take three or four photographs in which a single point is placed in different parts of the frame. When composing the shots use these three rules: the place of the point shouldn't be too obvious (such as right in the middle), the composition should hold a tension and be balanced (the golden section or rule of thirds) and the point should be easy to see. Evaluate the shots according to these rules and select which one you think works best."
I've been stuck on this project for a little while now as it hasn't sat right with me when I've been out taking shots. I've looked on so many other OCA blogs and over thought it so I'm going to jump straight in with my version of this task.
Each of the three photos above represents 'the rule of thirds'. The pink signs sit more or less at a 'point of interest' in each photo and the eye is automatically drawn there, creating an interesting composition.
I don't really believe that there is a right or wrong place when placing a 'point' in a shot along the 'rule of thirds'. I think its more or less down to personal preference and if you have an aim for where you want the viewers eye to travel.
Out of the shots above, I prefer the first on the left. For me it's the most pleasing to the eye and you almost want to know what is past the arrows on the sign as you cannot see much further past that area. The second shot is the least effective - it doesn't feel as well balanced as the other two shots.
Before starting this course, I knew a little about the 'rule of thirds' and after researching a bit more into it I found that I was following this guide naturally beforehand in a lot of my photography.
"Then take a few more shots without any rules, just being aware of the relationship of the point to the frame. Without the rules, how can you evaluate the shots?"
Take away the 'rules' and these shots almost seem sporadic and without purpose. They feel unbalanced in my opinion. The first shot looses its focal point whereas the the third shot creates an almost 'bullseye' and is the overly obvious place to position a point - It is dull and predictable.
This exercise has definitely made me more aware of the rule of thirds and how important it is in photography. it will undoubtedly play a big part in my photography work from this moment on as it can make such a huge difference to a photo.