Why the Rule of Thirds is Stupid...

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I love using the rule of thirds in my photography. I also hate it. In this video I talk about why I use the grid on my camera, and my other favourite composition tool, and also my frustrations about an arbitrary rule of taking photos that I don't think should be treated as a rule at all.
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Опубликовано:

29 май 2020

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Комментарии : 466

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

Any advice on weeding would be much appreciated...

@NatsWright 4 года назад

Divide your garden into thirds and work through the "frame" Send those weeds on a journey ;)

@garethjones5068 4 года назад

You do a third of them then let Emily do the other 2 thirds

@jonathanroberts6665 4 года назад

make sure the you take out the roots to prevent them growing again ... i think thats right 😅

@NatsWright 4 года назад

@@jonathanroberts6665 Yes! dont leave that hidden third, or it will come back to haunt you!

@markborder906 4 года назад

Best was do deal with weeds is plant so thickly that there is little room for weeds. You do have to get all the perennial weeds out first - dock, dandelions, couch grass etc.

@bradleymickna3432 4 года назад

In college, I learned six rules of composition. At the end of the lesson my professor told the class “these rules are meant to be broken. Once you know how to apply these concepts to a photo, you can mix and match rules or just break them all together. You don’t have to follow these rules”

@syzygy4365 8 месяцев назад

And it's true. A lot of self thought artists spend a lot of time working and studying how to imply these principles and struggle to see their skills develop past their own knowledge. Talent is equal to the risks we feel we can take. That's not a healthy mindset. Exploration and fun really is what it takes to get good at it. I think when your jumping those tracks of what about your failure did you like and feel is valuable. Not the healthiest mindset. That's why I'm here. I want to brake the rules like an artist one massive micro failure at a time. 😂🤦‍♀️

@DevonLad 4 года назад

I've had open heart surgery, a quadruple heart bypass. I can confirm, taxes are worse as the pain and suffering of trying to do them never ends.

@divineoptiks6157 4 года назад

Glad you made it 🙏🏻

@mattscott573 4 года назад

Me too, but I decided the pain & strain of doing my own taxes was too much to risk!

@matt309 3 года назад

Just commit tax fraud

@j.b.6448 4 года назад

Your thougths on the Rule of Thirds reminds me of the line from the movie, "Pirates of the Caribbean" where Hector Barbossa says," The code is more what you'd call 'guidelines' than actual rules." Thanks for your take on the Guidelines of Thirds.

@JordanPritchard 4 года назад

It should be a guideline anyway 😀😀

@Woodpecker1404 4 года назад

Really the ‘rule of thirds’ is just a way of saying to beginners: “Don’t put it in the bloody middle every single bloody time!” “Except when it’s a reflection perhaps” “Or when you want to create a particular effect” I’ve never forgotten our art teacher showing us how often when dropping a standard grid onto a classical painting the key points or lines all aligned with the grid like magic. However it wasn’t a grid of thirds it was the Golden Section, close, but not quite on the thirds. To my eye / brain that little bit closer to the middle usually feels more comfortable. I do a lot of wildlife photography and placing the subject on a third line always seems just a bit awkward or stiff. Great video.

@bradleyanderson247 4 года назад

I agree. I hate the term "rule" of thirds. People get that in their head and they think everything has to be right on one either one of the lines or one of the power points where the lines cross. I think more about asymmetry. Yes, for a lot subjects dead center is too static and boring. There are exceptions. Using the "rule" of thirds doesn't help if you have all kinds of distracting stuff at the edges.

@lordoftheflings 3 года назад

whats wrong with the middle?

@lordoftheflings 2 года назад

@An idiot... who says the eye has to be "drawn in"?

@theosolberg 4 года назад

I don't use a grid. When it comes to composition, I have only 1 "rule": my eye must like the composition.

@chrisroblin3320 4 года назад

I do use the grid, or should I say, I always have it displayed on. But now that you say it, I realize I never use it (except to get trees or walls or sea horizon in the right position) and just do like you do : ''my eye must like the composition''. So I'll get rid off that grid , I'll turn it off right away. Thank you Theo !

@justanotherguycommenting5754 4 года назад

I dont use a grid, because i use a dslr and its too old to have grids in the viewfinder lol

@DirtDigglerDetecting 4 года назад

Grid is only part of it, but i agree. If you take a second and Look. you can Crop an fix before you click hehehehe :)

@jodyssey9921 3 года назад

Same. I never give any thought to lines or thirds or any of that, I only ask myself if I like it.

@MarkRosengarten 4 года назад

When I teach composition I mention it but advise the students instead to pick their subject and compose it to put it into context with its environment.

@JordanPritchard 4 года назад

That’s great advice 😀😀

@kemerthomson 4 года назад

As a corollary, people need to stop using “the Rule” as a critique for photographs. IT’S NOT A RULE!!!

@pematamang9268 2 года назад

Exactly It is not Rule and it is only Guide. Thanks

@tananuraj 4 года назад

I switched to golden ratio some time back. Has helped me a lot.

@Leptospirosi 3 года назад

The "Rule of thirds" is the lazy man's "Golden Ratio"

@mathewrupp8568 4 года назад

I think rules aren't bad in themselves, for someone learning photography they can be helpful. The rule that drives me crazy is that a photo must tell a story. When I was in photo class many years ago you told a story with a series of photos.

@dancarter5595 4 года назад

The rule of thirds is something people with an eye for aesthetics or natural beauty take for granted. When you're experienced, or naturally talented, there's no real need to follow any specific rules. However, many people don't fall into that category and struggle to understand basic composition..... How many times have you passed a camera to someone to take a simple group shot and ended up with mostly feet or sky? 😂 Once they understand it, the rule of thirds is an excellent, general guide for people without an 'eye' for photography. I prefer the golden ratio guidelines, whenever possible.

@kahanisaaz 3 года назад

me too. rule of third is just a stepping stone, not the end. once you step out of it you will realise that there are so many ways to make the frame.

@ddlcp 2 года назад

ppl tend to forget everyone can gain experience & naturally talented means you learn a lot quicker then others & nothing special also it wont mean much if you don't put effort in it since they don't 've special power that lets them learn things out of thin air. ROT / GR's like any other tool someone created that may or may not help as we'r individual & learn things in various way where ROT/GR.s no exception.

@iKeto_gal 4 года назад

You’re like the rebellious landscape photographer of RU-vid... I love it!

@epv221 4 года назад

“Got distracted,” he said sheepishly.

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

haha!

@endtimeimages3284 4 года назад

I like the grid as it helps me getting horizontal lines straight in the composition.

@James_Fredrick 4 года назад

You easily have one of the best personalities on all of RU-vid. Absolutely love your videos, James. I’ve found your channel about 2 weeks ago and I’ve watched every video so far. You’ve really been helping me through a heavily emotional time in my life by inspiring and reigniting the creative spark within me. Thank you for your dedication to this channel ♥️

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

So nice to hear James, thank you :)

@SonarWavePulse 4 года назад

I really like the rule of thirds, and I'd say it's even good to have as a rule and not a guideline. Beginners can really struggle to convey an artistic idea through a photo without rules to follow, a hard and fast "do this and it will look good" rule really appeals to someone with little idea of what they're doing. I've been through that. As a person gains more experiance and starts to build their creative side, they will naturally start to get dissatisfied with the rule and will attempt to bend it or break it, this constructive experimentation it exponentially more betterer than the wild flailing that ensues when you give a total newbie a big scary black camera and tell him to go ham with it. TL;DR: Let it be a true rule for those of us just starting out, those with more experience will treat it as a guideline/aid no matter what it's called.

@lukajanko 4 года назад

I don't usually comment on videos but I just have to say how much I love your videos. There's always something new to learn, I love your editing style and your humor is just spot on man! Quickly becoming my favorite photography channel. I appreciate the work you put in James! (Back to not commenting on videos for another 18 months again)

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

Thanks so much mate, I really appreciate it :)

@cheeto.1 4 года назад

Found James a few days ago and been binge watching ever since. Definitely my favorite RU-vid channel now. I like how its 70% Photography and 30% Comedy but 110% Awesomeness. Im in Clearwater, Florida USA and we have no goats just miles and miles of beach’s.

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

Thanks so much mate :)

@TheHappyWhisk 4 года назад

Hi James. I never thought about this the subject and the journey to go. Thank you. Even in food photos, there's story and I'm new to all of this but I'm starting to think more and more about story thanks to some other channels and now yours as well. Thanks for the work and time you put into making videos. Cheers, Ivy.

@phillipsmith4705 4 года назад

James: "I've got no idea if I'm anywhere NEAR the line..." Literally ON the line. 😂 But seriously... I hope you see this James because I just want to say that I'm relatively new to your channel and your videos are BEAUTIFUL. I absolutely love the look and feel. Huge respect. I love them so much I went searching for your "How To Vlog" video just to see how you make them. Huge respect, and thank you for the inspiration! 🙏🏽

@adamnash2009 4 года назад

James: The rule of thirds is stupid... Also James: Set up every scene in this video using the rule of thirds 😂 love the content man keep it up! That idea of a rectangle instead of the whole grid is really solid.

@emanuel_soundtrack 4 года назад

that it matches with the rule does not mean he uses this rule (...)

@nibchip 4 года назад

=]] I like you comment (This/That)

@ddlcp 2 года назад

issue with ppl when they are too deep & unable to grow & too reliant of few things, trying too hard to co relate everything to their belief

@KangSupreme 2 года назад

@@emanuel_soundtrack That's the joke

@SamDCote 4 года назад

Love that tip about moving subjects! I’m gonna have to try that one out- thanks James!

@ashleythompson4436 4 года назад

Watched this yesterday, and appreciated it a lot. Just noticed FStoppers shared it as well! Nice work, Thanks for keeping us entertained James!

@Mark-Roche 4 года назад

Hey, James, I love your channel you make me laugh when you do go off course and starts talking about something else. I've been learning photography here in London self-taught and James just wanted to say thanks for the tutorials I'm getting some good tip and tricks helping me along the way. Thank you and keep up the good work I am a fan now cheers Mark 🙏

@syzygy4365 8 месяцев назад

I can't thank everyone enough for making these informative videos. You youtubers are real angels for sharing your knowledge and passion with thw world. I know its not something you guys are use to hearing. I'm can't wait to apply these techniques on my own adventures. Have a blessed day. ❤

@IanSmithFotografi 4 года назад

Congrats at passing the 100k.. well deserved James. It took longer than your channel merited.

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

Thanks so much Ian :)

@JordanPritchard 4 года назад

Best advice I ever heard is learn the rules of photography so you can break them and you will unlock your better potential 😀 great video James!!

@misterlestari5772 4 года назад

Interesting! I've been blinded my whole life by thinking subjects is always best place in the center, but now after seeing your method of placing a subjects in the corner to tell the story of an journey, i'm fully convinced now that the rule of thirds is stupid and I want to try it for myself. Anyway love the tips and keep up the good work!

@divineoptiks6157 4 года назад

Screw the rules

@justdave6329 4 года назад

It was good in the beginning of learning now i think just like you. Screw them

@JordanPritchard 4 года назад

Agreed

@MaurizioOiziruam 4 года назад

Rule the screws.

@divineoptiks6157 4 года назад

Just Dave he sirrr

@divineoptiks6157 4 года назад

Just Dave yes sirr

@RichardSeal 4 года назад

Love it, agree on the word "rule" it can get to be a mental block for some and a crutch for others who just use that guide and don't really think about the composition. Just makes for dull photos in some cases. Also, since moving from the midlands to Florida, nothing has made me miss home as much as your peak district videos. It's such a beautiful place! Also, got your books this week. Nice job! I really like the layout in the new book. Thanks!

@douglasriddle6447 4 года назад

The Rule of Thirds is a hold over from painting composition that has been applied to photography. These rules of composition served the Great Masters of Painting well and were used to evoke certain feelings from the viewer, much like certain music notes create certain feelings and moods when combined. And the Rule of Thirds is not about lining up your subject or point of interest on the "lines" but at the "intersection" of the lines. Like all rules of composition it can be broken at anytime if it does not serve the subject of your image. Not applying the Rule of Thirds doesn't mean you have a bad photo, but applying it will more often lead to a stronger photo.

@jimmason8502 4 года назад

Yes agreed. I see many boring shots where the subject is just plumb in the middle of the frame and it leaves you wondering what is on either side of it? Using the RoT helps place your subject in some sort of context and tells a better story than just centering your subject (although that can work sometimes).

@YourMajesty143 4 года назад

Right, when he was showing the various photos, I thought he was showing examples of times that the ROT works. Yet the B-roll voiceover was of him trying to make a point against that. I got confused bc most of the subjects in the photos fell on the intersecting lines, but it wasn't until I saw this comment that it hit me that he just didn't understand the rule of thirds and that's why it seemed like he was contradicting himself lol.

@scallen3841 4 года назад

Well everyone is somehow an expert , yet they never took a photo with anything other then their phone lol .

@DI-cm5xc 4 года назад

While editing, I like to put the different composition overlays available in Lightroom over the image to see which one I "used". I always seem to find one that more or less fits, no matter how rubbish the image is. Gotta be some sort of lesson there.

@PGYTECH 4 года назад

Thanks for sharing the scenarios where to use the 'line of third' and where not to use! Really being helpful to me🙂

@joepalmer75 4 года назад

Rules are made to be broken and you have given some great reasons why. I like your videos because you stay consistent in them by always emphasizing that your photo tells a story...the pieces of a puzzle coming together. Great video and tips.

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

Cheers Joseph :)

@SirGwl 4 года назад

My favourite video from this channel. Thanks James

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

Thanks for watching :)

@leetipton 4 года назад

Just recently started following & watching your channel. Love your style and content. Real useful information & tips.

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

Cheers Lee :)

@tjc9514 4 года назад

James, thanks again for another great video. Your points mirror my own feelings on the rule of thirds. I've gone from not knowing about it, to using it exclusively, to not really thinking about it much as I'm composing. I would like some sort of an example about when something is okay to be in the middle of the frame. Headshots are the only example that come to mind.

@adamsabaz2415 4 года назад

Great vid! Too the point and entertaining. Inspiring too, need to get out this weekend. This was the nudge. Loved your last vid especially with story telling. Spruced up my blog as a result. Thanks!!!

@emanuel_soundtrack 4 года назад

before i knew this rule i was already called for a competition.... see, the essential part is contemplation of great works by the great painters.

@Irastrong 4 года назад

I like the transition where you pick up the camera, satisfying for some reason.

@NatureBoy12100 7 месяцев назад

What an Interesting person you seem to be. Love your videos, as they refresh my memory of photography classes from long ago.

@M.Oksanen 4 года назад

Daaamn I like your edits and your COLORS. Good stuff 👍

@slider1987 4 года назад

Today you've made me realy happy. I'm from Germany and today i received both of your books (vol. 1 & 2). They seem to be realy great. This evening i will take the time to "read" them and the funny notes. Thanks for your personal message. :-) You and your Images are great ;-) thanks :-)

@ZappaBlues 4 года назад

I also think of it as a guide of 3rds. I no longer do gardening but I use to LOATHE weeding. Very Much! Nice Intro/Outro Music.

@patrikgraj2238 4 года назад

Gotta say, when demonstrating on your bike, you were ON POINT when showing where each third is located haha

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

Haha, I couldn't believe it :)

@harrysharpe2029 4 года назад

this taught me something really useful! About the journey through the frame, thank you!

@stevemozzie6497 4 года назад

Totally agree with the bike bit around 4:45 (ish). I do the same with runners when I'm snapping them. Place them in that position, so that the viewer imagines them continuing their journey through the frame. Great to see you out and about. Had a walk on Bamford Edge the other day, one or two reasonable images again.

@carlreid4161 4 года назад

Great vlog James! Taxes, weeding rockstar cracked me up! Love the tip on the entrance third I’ll pin that, note it or remember it as that’s a gem 💎

@lisarobertson7011 4 года назад

Thank you James - another great video!

@PeterLariviere1 4 года назад

Great video and superb advice.. you gave me ideas i had not though of.

@evanhunt5622 4 года назад

Insightful, as always!

@biurner 4 года назад

In photography, the rule of thirds is a type of composition in which an image is divided evenly into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and the subject of the image is placed at the intersection of those dividing lines, or along one of the lines itself.

@vanderfleet-martin 4 года назад

Got my book today! Really enjoying it.

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

Thanks so much :)

@pauls8675 4 года назад

Another great video. Got you book the other day... great!

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

Thanks Paul :)

@hannahmiller3513 4 года назад

This was helpful and inspiring. Thank you

@ben251 4 года назад

James: I'm not sure if I'm near the line *is perfectly aligned with it

@bencushwa8902 4 года назад

Great video. You're totally right, "Guide of Thirds" is more accurate...but it doesn't seem as catchy. One problem that I struggled with early on (and still do from time to time) is not leaving myself enough space in a shot for artistic cropping, rotating to correct level, etc. I've found that using the rule of thirds on my display/viewfinder tends to keep my subject far enough away from the edges of the frame that I almost always have enough space for for those things, even if I'm not planning on using the rule of thirds in the final edit.

@RichardBO9 4 года назад

I’ve had triple bypass heart ❤️ surgery and yes, taxes are more of a pain. Helpful video!

@magiccardman8102 4 года назад

My Dad referred to the rules of photography as the tools of photography. As in the tool of Thirds. When it came to tools he also said to use the right tool for the job.

@ThomasGuerrerolives 4 года назад

Appreciate the video. Truly down to earth advice.

@JennyDarukat 4 года назад

The rule of thumb-thirds.. The thing about using 2/3 of the frame as negative space is something I really enjoy about your photos honestly, it gives a great sense of scale and contrast with the part of the image where there's something actually going on. Really, really like it a lot.

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

Cheers Jenny :)

@Alvin-eq5rc 4 года назад

Really nice work!!

@piteshmistry9957 4 года назад

Thanks James! Really informative video, even though this is something I've already incorporated without even realising! Maybe you should do a timelapse of your weeding sometime... lol

@markborder906 4 года назад

As a painter as well as a very amateur photographer, the idea, as I understand it, is that one has to know the rules to know when and how to break them. In addition, my late father was fond of quoting (Confucius, I think) “Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the following of fools” very apt at present in so many ways.

@CarolyneMacMillan 4 года назад

The quote is from Harry Day. A WW1 Royal flying corps fighter ace "Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools."

@markborder906 4 года назад

Carolyne MacMillan @Carolyne MacMillan Thank you for that correction, sadly I cannot correct my father. I see, also that Douglas Bader was also fond of it.

@1spitfirepilot 4 года назад

Good points! I've often....well once or twice....thought that the golden spiral/section has that kind of ambiguity. Not only, I bet, do 99% of 'serious' photographers never use it to compose a shot, but post hoc, you can overlay it on a lot of images and claim 'look! It follows the golden spiral thingy'.

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

I agree! I think we'd all like to say we consider it more than we actually do :)

@abhyudaydubey5076 Год назад

8:00 is just magical..... man o man it’s beautiful!!!!!!!!

@beateadriana 4 года назад

What I love the most about photography rules, is that often it pays to break them. Because you're breaking the rules, it makes people stop and take an extra look. Granted, it doesn't always work, but when it does, you can get amazing images.

@tallicarule1991 4 года назад

Precision cycling, you managed to get that front wheel right on the line!

@CVEXPLORES 4 года назад

100% agree, every time I focus on following generic compositional rules, I end up hating the shot. I do like some rules to drive creativity, like restricting yourself to one lens is always a fun way to make me think outside of the box.

@davidalliger 4 года назад

Where do a find the storytelling image set you are talking about? I'm not seeing that on your website. Anyways great video, always a joy to see a new James video in my email.

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

jamespopsys.com/storytelling :)

@huwjones5879 4 года назад

Like all photographic "rules" learn them, understand them and then use them if appropriate. By and large when I demonstrate the ROT to a beginners class its like a lightbulb has been switched on. Their compositions improve when they use it. Its up to them to learn when to apply it from there on.

@donaldgould1293 4 года назад

Great video thanks. You mentioned a surfer. I have done some surfing photography of the surfing championships in Sydney and given that a lot of thought in final cropping. My belief is that you can have the surfer almost in the middle. An important part of surfing is the wake that is left behind the surfer, his line through the surf and the wall of water he leaves behind. To me this is an integral part of the image. Consequently to show this and the surfer to full advantage it does not look out of balance for the surfer to be further into the image. Of course this is my opinion and I will probably be howled down.

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

Good point Donald! Ahh I miss surfing at Freshwater :(

@Randhart 4 года назад

Informative yet amusing... thanks ;)

@K9CareObedienceTraining 4 года назад

Love the gripe.. Hate rules.. Think outside the square or RULE or THIRDS !! ..Its a staring point.. Nice work :)

@toddysurcharge771 4 года назад

Lmao yeah like all the "unique" people with tattoos and piercings that are so unique like all the others who do the same. Not following the norm is as cliche as following the norm. In a world of Billions of people youre never going to be original. Its sad people are so desperate to be.

@AlbertoDsign 4 года назад

@@toddysurcharge771 You sound like great fun..... (I'm being sarcastic in case you can't tell)

@chromesync3793 4 года назад

Congratulations on your 100K subs. You deserve it.

@markrigg6623 4 года назад

Its only stupid if you treat it as a "rule".

@JohnsJunk 4 года назад

Always nice to learn new ways to look at things. The thing about physical "rules" or "laws" is that they aren't just made up, they're discovered. The human face is rule of thirds and it's pleasing to the human eye. It's also everywhere you look like you mentioned, you can make anything fit it. The image with the surfer that's too near the middle? There are times where it makes more sense to leave room behind to show where they've been than to leave a place for them to go. He's leaving a wake behind which to me is more interesting than the water in front. If I'm shooting a drag car I leave room in front, unless the car is trailing huge billowing clouds of smoke or I can get the business of the lights, the track marshals and and the tower in the shot. Different thought processes.

@andyflushfilms6989 4 года назад

Have you got a video about your audio set up? Its really good and im looking for a similar solution

@MarkoKoskenoja 4 года назад

Super useful suggestions 😉

@lisabradley9288 4 года назад

Hello James and family in Chinley and Chapel en le Frith 😀. Great tips and good to see your not braking any bones on that 🚵‍♂️. I'm struggling to visualise you weeding James I always pictured Emily doing that particular chore 🤣

@knarfmo 4 года назад

I agree and think the phrase “rule” might make it more strict than it should be. I do think it’s useful for some new photographers who struggle with composition. Since I was a kid, I’ve used the “rule”, not even knowing about it, just because I thought the pictures looked good and represented the style of photos I saw in books and magazines. But I do see photographs of friends and relatives on social media where the composition is all off because they have never thought of a rule of thirds when composing a photograph. So, I think it sort of comes naturally to some, but not to others. And then there is the whole art of when to break the rule, which I would say you did with some of your ambiguous examples (And they looked great).

@busiestytnerd5175 4 года назад

Omg FINALLY someone made a video about this. I've felt this way too.

@mikepomeroy 4 года назад

Maybe I've overlooked it, but do you talk about your bike and bike accessories in any of these videos?

@iankellam6440 4 года назад

Had heart valve valve replaced. Taxes are a doddle. Great video. Completely agree about rule if thirds.

@jason9414 4 года назад

Great videos, good for a laugh as well as learning. Just to let you know im not a fan of the rule either, i almost never think of it when im taking my shots, rather just let what seems to be pleasing to the eye guide me. Its worked for me so far although in reality it still kind of ends up looking like its using the rule.

@lindabroer8995 4 года назад

Thank you! I hate that photography is attached to 'rules'. Rules have a place in the world, but not in photography. My photos need to speak to me and my audience. That's all that matters to me.

@brandishwar 4 года назад

With a photo I took last week, it was a female Mallard with a few ducklings. She spotted me so turned to move in the opposite direction from me. So since they were swimming away from me, rather than having them at the lower third line in the frame, I had them at the upper third line in the middle of the frame.

@tvjon88 4 года назад

Great video dude!

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

Cheers Jon! :)

@ashstubbings2603 4 года назад

"WASSSUPPP!!" Crikey that takes me back! LOL By the way, you might have noticed over the past goodness knows how long, that I always seem to comment on something funny you've either said or done in your videos, rather than the serious stuff you talk about. This is mainly because, admittedly I do watch them for the entertainment value. I watch them for the educational stuff as well, but mainly for the entertainment value! Anyway, I'm waffling now so, tat ta for now! The only advice I can offer you about weeding is that one should avoid it at all costs! LOL. I use both the centre marker and the Rule of thirds thingy in my camera (I shoot with a Lumix, generally speaking, too) and I do find the centre marker to be more useful.. Now I'm definitely waffling!

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

haha! From one waffler to another, thanks mate! :)

@agent_soshi 4 года назад

I mostly use my grid for horizons or keeping it level and for "zones" in much the same way you described

@aDifferentJT Год назад

I do a lot of live broadcast and I use the grid and the centre marker. When doing 3/4 views of people I like to make sure that the person is looking towards the middle of the frame rather than the edge for similar reasons to your movement thing.

@kevinwalker4602 4 года назад

You make things so simple to understand with wonderful examples, brilliant vlog as always.... Weed Killer 😱

@pixelpeter3883 4 года назад

Think that the 'rule-of-thirds' can give budding photographers a good handhold when it comes to compositioning; something easy to think of (helped by those in-viewfinder lines) when they wrestle with their new found hobby. BTW: book safely arrived and loved the little note ;-)

@kemerthomson 4 года назад

Excellent point, and also a good reason to call it something other than a “rule.” Which is kind of Jame’s point, I think...

@bmuses6092 4 года назад

Your book arrived in NY today - it's lovely! You're going to use your Tripod???? I've never gotten the hang of using it. I even take bird pics handheld. I like the idea of keeping the grid on the camera - but I use the viewfinder not the screen and don't know if I can set up in the viewfinder.

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

Thanks so much Barbara :)

@robstammers7149 4 года назад

Totally agree with you James, I flout this 'rule' all the time, the only thing, I at times, do stick to is a lead into the scene, and that lead takes you through the frame to the distance, and yeh I use, the rule of 2 thirds sky or 2 thirds land, er heck I guess I'm using the rules... What just happened... The rule of thirds works I guess, but we can still bend this rule... Can't we?

@chrisroblin3320 4 года назад

100 % Ok with what you say and explain. Yet I'd say that you need first a full understanding/mastering (mastery ? I'm french...) of a rule in order to choose to get rid of that rule or not. Once the rule is under control, you can overrule knowing what you do and why you do it.

@st.michaelthearchangel7774 4 года назад

4:56 "This line. I've got no idea if I'm anywhere near the line." *Is spot-on to the line* xD

@pix-point 4 года назад

I never use the grid in my cameras for the rule of thirds, but to get the horizon straight. Besides in my NIKONs the grid separates the view into 16 parts (4 horizontal and 4 vertical) so it would be a "rule of quaters". I don't know why this is, but it helps to find the middle.

@hudster1969 4 года назад

The "Rule of Thirds" has always been a misnomer seeing as it is a rule of thumb/guideline rather than a set rule. Maybe the "Law of Thirds" might have been better but good luck getting the name changed now 😁 That said your video shows the best ways to apply it in composition.

@JordanPritchard 4 года назад

Law of thirds sounds way better than rule 😀😀

@hudster1969 4 года назад

@Justin not really if you think of it more in terms of laws of the game as in football. They are open to interpretation and more flexibility, whereas rules have to be obeyed literally 😁

@michaels3003 4 года назад

@@JordanPritchard , I thought law was full of rules... It also implies an expectation of compliance with the rules.

@morrisbagnall2690 4 года назад

Bugger! That's today. Been watching your vids until my camera arrived which it did yesterday evening and spent this afternoon plugging in some settings after a bike ride down the Trans Pennine near Lymm. Might head out to the Peak District on the Triumph tomorrow to try out the E-M1 Mkii and 17mm F/1.8. Only lens I have; figured it was time for a single prime challenge. Keep up the great work, James. My wife loved Emily's comments on the vid you did about avoiding photography break-ups such that she frowned when I suggested brining the camera on the bike ride this morning. THANKS EMILY ;)

@JamesPopsysPhoto 4 года назад

Cheers mate, have a great time, what a day for a ride!

@morrisbagnall2690 4 года назад

@@JamesPopsysPhoto Oh, and in the event that you happen to bump into my wife and I on a hike; I DO NOT have a man crush on you okay. So maybe I've spent more time watching your video's over the past few days than I have with her but it's purely an educational thing so let's just get that straight. Straight! See, I used the most opportune word. By the way, not sure the salmon pink shorts work for you skin tone. Just a little friendly, straight advice. Right; back to the videos.