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  1. #1
    Thailand Expat David48atTD's Avatar
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    Focus on Subject Framing in an Image

    In the cut and thrust of the April Photography Poll this post, mainly because of it's length and focus
    on the technical detail might be lost ... and that's a shame because there are some interesting discussion points.

    Quote Originally Posted by taxexile View Post



    we have a winner !

    great shot.


    Looking at Images: Phi Grid vs. Rule of Thirds
    When you are thinking about images, do you consider framing and the shape of the crop? The answer does not lie in the shape of the box you just created on a design canvas.
    It has a lot to do with the content of the image itself.

    How you frame and crop images can impact engagement and even how a person looking at the image feels about it (whether they know it or not).
    Here, we’re going to look at two different ways of thinking about images – using the phi grid and rule of thirds — and how you can apply them to your work.

    ---

    Grids and Science







    So the key to understanding images and harmony starts with a little science.
    The Golden Ratio is ones of those bits of science that can be applied to design and images.
    (And it happens whether you intend to or not.)

    The Golden Ratio is based on the Fibonacci sequence, which was developed by a mathematician in the 12th century. Simply stated, it is a ratio of ideal proportions: 1 to 1.618. The Golden Ratio goes by a handful of other names as well including the golden mean, divine proportion, golden rectangle, extreme mean and phi. It is used across a variety of disciplines such as design, architecture, painting and music and can also be found in nature. When drawn, the Fibonacci sequence is depicted as a spiral within the shape of a perfect rectangle.

    This number and “perfect rectangular shape” are important because they form the most pleasing and attractive shape for the human eye. That’s not to say that everything you create will use the Golden Ratio, but it is something to consider when framing and cropping images. (Note: While most of the images here show the grids in horizontal orientation, they work vertically as well.)



    Phi Grid










    The Phi Grid helps you visualize the Golden Ratio as a part of each image. It is based on a combination of smaller rectangles in a grid over an image, where four of the rectangles are based on the 1:1.618 ratio.

    What you can see when using the Phi Grid is in the spaces where gridlines intersect. These so-called “sweet spots” are places where the eye is naturally drawn in an image. Cropping or aligning an image so that key parts fall in these areas will create focus and harmony.

    Pros
    The grid creates visual harmony.
    The grid creates distinct sections on the canvas that aren’t always perfectly symmetrical.
    Works for photos where weight needs to be toward outside edges of the frame.
    Grid creates perfect division of space mathematically.
    You can use the grid lines for alignment and to ensure visual harmony.
    The top horizontal gridline can be great for landscape images and create a horizon line to make cropping easier.

    Cons
    The grid can be difficult to create.
    The grid can leave “odd holes” in the eyes of some designers.
    Getting caught up in trying to design on the grid can get frustrating.

    ---

    Rule of Thirds










    The Rule of Thirds is a more widely recognized image grid that is very much like the Phi Grid. While the origins are not precisely known, it is believed that the concept developed out of a need for a simpler solution to using the Phi Grid.

    The Rules of Thirds is a grid that divides any frame into nine equal parts. The corresponding ratio is 1 to 1 per rectangle. So it’s close to the Phi Grid but not precise. The result is a perfectly symmetrical grid that easy to visualize and use. Just like with the Phi Grid, the “sweet spots” are the locations where lines intersect.

    Pros
    It is easy to use.
    Standard software, such as Adobe Photoshop, includes rule of thirds cropping guides.
    It creates visual harmony and equal weighting in an image.
    The “sweet spots” are a little larger and easy to find and align.
    The looser variation on the Golden Ratio might feel more natural to some.

    Cons
    It’s not mathematically perfect (if you are a stickler for those things).
    It can feel too divided in some instances – depending on the image – or too perfect, because of the forced symmetry.
    Which Should I Use?










    ---

    Now for the tough part, which grid should you use? What if the answer is neither or both?

    Every image can be overlaid with either grid (look at the images above and compare them using each).
    Understanding these concepts is less about trying to actively make sure every image uses one or the other and is more about
    understanding how these things impact what you are doing.

    Use these grids as a way to make sure that your images (or logos or illustrations) are as visually sound as they can be.
    Grids can help you create a foundation for harmony and balance (or lack thereof).
    Grids can help you tweak an image and crop to a more ideal shape if you feel like something in an image is just off.
    Grids can help you organize your image and design framework on the canvas.


    But that brings us back to the question: Which grid should I use?

    Use the Rule of Thirds in a jiffy.
    It’s easy to visualize.
    Use it when you are actually framing and taking a photograph.


    Use the Phi Grid when you want to be precise and perfect.
    (I like to toss it over elements just to see how close a project is generally.)


    Use the Rule of Thirds in portraits.
    It can create beautiful positioning of a face in a frame with more room.
    (Try to align eyes in a grid intersection for impact).


    Use the Phi Grid for landscapes.
    Align the horizon with the top gridline or a body of water or foreground element with the bottom gridline.

    Use them both. Remember, these elements are invisible lines and can be applied to pretty much anything.

    ---

    Now take it a step further

    We focused on using the Phi Grid and Rule of Thirds for photos in general, but either can be used for any visual.
    The grids can also be used in areas of detail as well, such as aligning just one section of a project or image in a way that “feels” best.

    ---

    Conclusion

    Does all the math have your head spinning?
    Are you seeing gridlines on top of your images?
    That’s a good thing, but don’t focus on it too much.
    Understanding grids is just one of the tools in your kit.

    As with any other tool, use it in combination with what you already know to create a complete project with the best aesthetics possible.
    Are these grids something you use in your daily workflow? Are there others you prefer?
    Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments.

    Creative Commons images by Death to the Stock Photo.

  2. #2
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    All very nice with composed shots and scenic stuff but try applying it to something that is about to run or fly away.

    As good a quick focus as possible, a click then try for a better shot if its still there.

  3. #3
    Thailand Expat AntRobertson's Avatar
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    I come very much from the 'Point, Click & Hope' School of photography.

  4. #4
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    All very nice with composed shots and scenic stuff but try applying it to something that is about to run or fly away.

    As good a quick focus as possible, a click then try for a better shot if its still there.
    yes, photographing wildlife, and especially birds is a different game.

    i am fortunate enough to be able to observe red kites on a daily basis at this time of the year, these enormous birds with a wingspan of nearly 2 metres swoop and glide past my window almost every evening. i dont have a telephoto lens so cant really photograph them, but here is a shot from "yorkshireredkites.net" you might like.



    there has obviously been a lot of post processing to that shot, but the lighting and the overall s- shape of the two birds together make for a dramatic and pleasing image.

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    Hangin' Around cyrille's Avatar
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    I think it looks bloody ridiculous.

    All charm has been beaten out of it by the doctoring.

    Dill's 'Chitty with Huge Member in Mouth #72' has as much merit.

  6. #6
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    When it comes to photographing wildlife Troy has no peers on this forum with his butterfly thread. Setting aside his misguided views on Brexit when it comes to photography the guy has some talent, if not viewed the thread before well worth a look even if don't like butterfly.

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    OK, I consider myself open minded and trying to learn.
    The science behind the OP seems a bit deep.
    But the bottom line: The pictures seem so washed out that I think whoever is trying to teach us amateurs ought to get some better pictures to start with.
    But thanks for trying.

    To me, good pictures usually come from being in some cool situations.
    I do often crop afterwards and sometimes sharpen a bit but at least I think I start with a good photo.

  8. #8
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    The pictures seem so washed out that I think whoever is trying to teach us amateurs ought to get some better pictures to start with.
    the pictures are purposely bland and "washed out" so as to make the over-imposed grid lines stand out more and enable the reader to visualise proportions better.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by David48atTD View Post
    In the cut and thrust of the April Photography Poll this post, mainly because of it's length and focus
    on the technical detail might be lost ... and that's a shame because there are some interesting discussion points.
    Old news repackaged and renamed every couple of years.

    Regarding recent entries , I'm hardly one to comment considering I haven't entered any pics,( mostly because these days all my pics seem to be taken on the phone. It's just too convenient), but I find most of the entries too flat and dull (not sharp).
    Here's one I took last week on my old phone.


    Focus on Subject Framing in an Image-fungus-jpg

    Don't know why it's lying down like that.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by Cujo; 09-05-2018 at 04:48 PM.
    “If we stop testing right now we’d have very few cases, if any.” Donald J Trump.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by cyrille View Post
    All charm has been beaten out of it by the doctoring.

    Dill's 'Chitty with Huge Member in Mouth #72' has as much merit.




  11. #11
    Hangin' Around cyrille's Avatar
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    Focus on Subject Framing in an Image-myanmar-jpg
    Attached Images Attached Images

  12. #12
    En route
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    That's great. You take it?

  13. #13
    Hangin' Around cyrille's Avatar
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    Sadly not, no.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by AntRobertson View Post
    I come very much from the 'Point, Click & Hope' School of photography.
    Same, sometimes it works. Taken from a bike before a showdown with a very territorial goose.

  15. #15
    Hangin' Around cyrille's Avatar
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    Nice shot.

    Mandy, it's a shame you're not in Mandalay for the visit of Leeds United on Friday.

    Could have presented some interesting photographic juxtapositions.

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    I think the photo of the red kites has had too much post processing and fails as an example of 'rule of thirds'
    It might have worked better in portrait, allowing vertical space for the birds to move into.

    The photo by Mandaloopy is a better example with good space for the children to run into. I'm not sire if it might have been better in colour though.

    In the end it is all a matter of taste. There are lots of excellent photos around that break all the rules but still have a dramatic impact.

  17. #17
    Hangin' Around cyrille's Avatar
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    A matter of taste, skill and luck.

    Patience can minimise the need for luck. Who knows, in that bridge pic. the photographer could have been set up there all day.

    Most of us need luck though.

  18. #18
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    Digital cameras have changed photography to a huge extent. Now you can take dozens if not hundreds of photos of the same thing at different exposures, zoom or angles and in the case of landscapes different light conditions then go through them and choose the one or ones that portray what you want to show.

    This is shown in photos of celebrities where by taking lots of photos the subject can be shown to be angry, sad, happy or even downright loony however the photographer wants to make them out to be.

    This doesnt apply in sports photography as things happen only once but again multiple photos are taken to get that one memorable shot.

    With wildlife many times you only get that one shot but at others it is possible to get multiple shots of the same thing and be able to change settings.
    DSLR cameras can be set to take several shots with each push of the button. For instance a camera can be focused on a nest and when a bird appears the camera is triggered and takes six or ten photos in quick succession with the best chosen after PP.

  19. #19
    Thailand Expat David48atTD's Avatar
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    Sometimes you just get lucky.

    Taken @ night, in the Bathroom, overhead Fluro light. Phone Camera.

    NO post editing, no cropping, just as the Photographer saw it.

    Sometimes you just get lucky ...

    Focus on Subject Framing in an Image-1526211114017-small-jpg

    Focus on Subject Framing in an Image-1526211121820-small-jpg

    Focus on Subject Framing in an Image-1526211126245-small-jpg
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago ...


  20. #20
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    My ex secretary had magnificent breasts, a sexy voice and is a natural with camera shots!

    Not sure about the phi theory or the rule of thirds but..........

  21. #21
    fcuked off SKkin's Avatar
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    No wonder I absolutely suck at photography...my youngest daughter however is a natural. Don't know where she got that from.

    Sadly she's not using that talent as raising her daughter and work got in the way.

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