#17

Plate #17

Topic: Rule of Thirds (Portrait and Landscape)

Template Title: Rule of Thirds

Materials:

1 whole sheet of bond paper;

pen (black or blue ink);

ruler;

any coloring materials (optional);

camera phone (optional)

Instructions / Activity Guide:

This activity helps you understand the Rule of Thirds, a basic composition technique used in visual arts and photography to create balanced and interesting images.

Step 1: Prepare Your Paper

Use one whole sheet of bond paper. At the top center, write the title RULE OF THIRDS. Divide your paper into two equal sections.

Left side: Portrait (Vertical Format)

Right side: Landscape (Horizontal Format)

In each section, draw a rectangle and divide it into 9 equal parts by drawing 2 horizontal lines and 2 vertical lines.

Step 2: Create Your Artwork

Portrait Side:

Draw a subject in vertical format such as a person, tree, or standing object. Place your subject along one of the vertical lines or at the intersection points, not at the center.

Landscape Side:

Draw a scene in horizontal format such as a sunset, mountains, classroom, or street view. Place the horizon line along the upper or lower third, not in the middle.

or you may use any of the following options below…

Option 1: Using a Mobile Phone

a. Activate the grid lines in your phone’s camera settings. This feature can be found in the camera settings menu.

b. Following the instructions provided, identify your preferred subject.

c. Take a screenshot of your phone display and crop the image to emphasize the grid lines, also known as the Rule of Thirds.

d. Apply the Rule of Thirds in both portrait and landscape orientations.

Option 2: Using Printed or Cut Images

a. Cut out pictures that interest you.

b. Paste them onto your template.

c. Draw grid lines on the images following the Rule of Thirds.

Option 3: Using Pre-printed Images

a. Cut out printed images that already demonstrate the Rule of Thirds.

Step 3: Apply the Rule of Thirds

Place your main subject off-center.

Align important elements along the grid lines or intersection points.

Make sure your composition looks balanced and interesting.

Short Content
Understanding the Rule of Thirds

The Rule of Thirds is a fundamental principle in photography and visual composition. It involves dividing an image into nine equal parts using two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. The points where these lines intersect are called focal points. Placing the subject along these lines or at these intersections creates a more balanced, engaging, and visually appealing composition. This technique helps guide the viewer’s eye and emphasizes important elements within the frame.

Step 4: Optional Enhancement

You may color your drawing.

You may take a real photo following the Rule of Thirds and redraw it.

You may label parts such as focus point or horizon line.

Step 5: Reflection

Write 2–3 sentences at the bottom of your paper.

How did the Rule of Thirds improve your composition?

Why is placing the subject off-center more effective?

Sample Idea:

Portrait: A person placed on the left vertical line

Landscape: A sunset with the horizon on the lower third

Reminder: