California Academic Content Standards (Reinforced)

• M.2.NS.4.2 Recognize fractions of a whole and parts of a group (e.g., one-fourth of a pie, ...1
• VA.8.CE.CETOA.2.3 Create original artwork, using film, photography, computer graphics, or video.

• Opening - Hooks / Set

  Students are shown a slide show that highlights several photos that have have a grid over them to highlight the rule of thirds.

  Students are to watch, rate each image (1-5 with 5 being a favorite), and write a brief comment in their notebooks.

  Once students have a few different chances to see the photos, discuss with the students the ones they like and why.  Ask them to discuss the elements that stood out and how the grid helped them see the image better.

   

  • Thirds1 [ View Image ] [ Download Original ]
  • Thirds2 [ View Image ] [ Download Original ]
  • Thirds3 [ View Image ] [ Download Original ]
  • Thirds4 [ View Image ] [ Download Original ]
  • Thirds5 [ View Image ] [ Download Original ]
  • Thirds6 [ View Image ] [ Download Original ]
  • Thirds7 [ View Image ] [ Download Original ]
  • Thirds8 [ View Image ] [ Download Original ]
  • Thirds9 [ View Image ] [ Download Original ]
  • Thirds10 [ View Image ] [ Download Original ]
• Explaining Rule of Thirds - Lecture

  First, put the rule of thirds grid up on the screen so students can see (or draw it on the white board if you don't have a projector).

  Describe the four main crossroads as the area in which a person should try to capture the main portion of whatever subject they are shooting. 

  Bring up the slide show again and go into more detail about how the photographer improved each image from the use of the rule of thirds for composition. 

  Explain where people or animals or other moving objects can be placed on the grid to accentuate direction, speed or distance.

  • Rule of Thirds Grid [ View Image ] [ Download Original ] Rule of Thirds Grid to be used for explanation.
• Find Images - Independent Practice

  Students are asked to find images online that they find interesting and can fit under the rule of thirds. 

  There are options for the Independent Practice depending on the classroom situation.

  1. For classrooms with computers and Photoshop.  Use the following commands to open a rule of thirds gridline.

  Edit==>Preferences==>Guides, Grids and Slices

  From there enter 100 percent and 3 under subdivisions.  Once that is done open your image, then you can toggle on/off your grid by this set of commands.

  View==>Show==>Grid (you can turn it off by unchecking it)

  2. For classrooms who do not have his technology students have a myriad of options including tracing their finger over the computer monitor to simulate a grid.  They can also print low resolution images in black and white and draw a grid. 

  The most important part of this exercise is to get students to begin to see their image taking as having a purpose.  That composition doesn't just happen, that people think about their actions as a photographer.
• Share Out - Check Understanding

  Students share their images in a group setting while the instructor circulates offering perspective and to check for understanding.

  Instructors should look for balanced gridlines and images that both the student and instructor agree fit into the rule of thirds concepts. 

  Help students also understand that though there are times to break the rule of thirds, most images benefit from this concept.

  The instructor should also select a few student examples to highlight and have them present to the class why those images are good examples.
• Rule of Thirds Practice - Projects

  Students from that point have 1 week to amass 10 images they shoot themselves that will have gridlines printed over them to showcase their understanding of the rule of thirds.

  They are encouraged to be creative and that a portion of these will be entered into a student's final portfolio.