Trying to understand the rule of thirds

[Ballisitics]

I bought my D5100 2 nights ago and have been playing with it ever since. I know I only have 2 days experience with a camera but I wouldn't mind a real C&C. I read up on rule of thirds today and this is my interpretation of what I think it is. So tear it apart if you have to, I'm here to learn.
Also, the only thing about composition that I have researched is the rule of thirds that is the extent of my photography exposure.



Here's what I think is wrong:

-I think it's a little over exposed
-I don't know if I used the rule of thirds properly
-His face is a little out of focus

I used an 18mm-55mm lens
F3.5 @ 18mm
ISO 320
1/80

[RichardTaylor]

You have nailed the "rule" of thirds.

The exposure of the boy looks ok on my monitor..
The focus appears to be ok at this size image.

Aesthetics:

The white window takes my eye right out of the photograph and the remainder of the background is messy.
If you get a chance to re shoot try a different POV to try to keep the background simple and/ or if possible try shooting wide open or at a longer focal length (filling the frame pretty much with your subject) to throw the background out of focus.

[dlambert]

When considering the rule of thirds, the vertical & horizontal lines are important for aligning tall or wide subjects, respectively, but if you can pinpoint a "spot" that's the main focal point of your photo, consider putting that on one of the intersections. When you're shooting people, the eyes are traditionally used as that main focal point, so you'd focus on the eyes and try to put them near one of those intersections.

As you work with the rule of thirds, though, remember that (1) it's really just a guideline, and (2) sometimes you can crop an existing photo to produce a composition you like a little better.

[Ballisitics]

Originally Posted by dlambert

When considering the rule of thirds, the vertical & horizontal lines are important for aligning tall or wide subjects, respectively, but if you can pinpoint a "spot" that's the main focal point of your photo, consider putting that on one of the intersections. When you're shooting people, the eyes are traditionally used as that main focal point, so you'd focus on the eyes and try to put them near one of those intersections.

As you work with the rule of thirds, though, remember that (1) it's really just a guideline, and (2) sometimes you can crop an existing photo to produce a composition you like a little better.

Ahhh I see. Thank you very much.

[Ballisitics]

Originally Posted by RichardTaylor

You have nailed the "rule" of thirds.

The exposure of the boy looks ok on my monitor..
The focus appears to be ok at this size image.

Aesthetics:

The white window takes my eye right out of the photograph and the remainder of the background is messy.
If you get a chance to re shoot try a different POV to try to keep the background simple and/ or if possible try shooting wide open or at a longer focal length (filling the frame pretty much with your subject) to throw the background out of focus.

Well I must admit that I am happy that I got the rule of thirds down. I know it seems trivial but I'm taking small steps here.

I appreciate the advice as well. Thank you.

[JFSanders]

Working with the basics will help you immensely in the development phase of photography. Look at this edit and see if you can tell the differences. Almost all of these edits can be done in camera and need not be in post.

Jim

[Ballisitics]

Originally Posted by JFSanders

Working with the basics will help you immensely in the development phase of photography. Look at this edit and see if you can tell the differences. Almost all of these edits can be done in camera and need not be in post.

Jim

Oh wow that does look alot better.

[JFSanders]

It is all in seeing the whole scene and using your camera to bring what you want to prominance and excluding the elements that compete with that by using composition, focus and shadow.

Glad you liked the edit.

Jim

[Ballisitics]

Originally Posted by JFSanders

It is all in seeing the whole scene and using your camera to bring what you want to prominance and excluding the elements that compete with that by using composition, focus and shadow.

Glad you liked the edit.

Jim

Thank you for the help. Would you mind deleting the pic? I don't want to leave the pics up there too long with out a water mark or anything. I removed the original as well.

[sinque]

I did not see the picture. Could you post again. I have seen very few pictures taken
with the D5100.
Thank you,
Karolyn