1. The Rules of Photography
Unit 57: Photography and Photographic Practice Terminology
P1, P2, M1, M2
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2. Rule of thirds
• Division of a photo so
the focal point is in the
intersection
• This is to make the
photograph more
interesting and can be
used in both landscape
and portrait pictures.
As you can see the tree and the baby
are off centre.

3. Framing
• Is a technique used to
bring focus to the
subject
• Using natural and
unnatural frames.
• Using arches or trees, or
using someone arms.
The use of the dark in the arch way
photograph helps show the framing.
This really brings out what is through
the arch way.

4. Leading Lines
• Taking your eye from
the foreground to the
background.
• Mainly used in
landscape.
• Brings you into the
photograph.
These photographs really brings you
into the picture. This is done by
going from wide to narrow.

5. Balancing Elements
• Placing your main subject off
Centre, as with the rule of thirds
• Creates a more interesting photo
but it can leave a void in the
scene which can make it feel
empty
• You should balance the ‘weight’
of your subject by including
another object of a lesser
importance to fill the space.
This is very similar to the rule of
thirds. However, the photo is
balanced with something else.

6. Symmetry & Patterns
• Mainly uses centre and
doesn’t use rule of
thirds. Creates a strong
focal point if it’s a
mirror image
• Usually mirrored images
are done in post to
create the illusion of
symmetry.
Symmetry is an interesting element
to add to a photograph. With the 1st
photograph the shadows and the
reflection really makes the picture
interesting.

7. Depth of Field
• Does not change from
sharp to un-sharp.
• Shallow depth of field is
where a lot of the
background isn’t in
focus.
Depth of field is the best way to add
detail to a picture. Bringing the main
person or prop in focus.