In this module we are going to talk about a rule that has application not only in videography but also in still photography as we as painting and other graphic arts.

The first and most important thing that a good camera operator needs to be familiar with is good shot composition. Enter the "rule of thirds."

The "rule of thirds" says that if you divide the frame into equal thirds horizontally and vertically you will end up with what looks like a tic-tac-toe board with nine equal spaces and four intersecting points, which we will take a closer look at in the next example. The upper line is known as the "eye line" and the lower the "horizon line." See example 1. The eye line is where your subject's eyes should fall in a well framed shot. Similarly, the horizon line is the point at which the horizon should fall in a well framed long shot or shot that does not have a human subject.

Example 1

The four intersections are called "focal points." The "focal points are used as a guide to align the focus area of your subject in the frame. See example 2.

Example 2

For instance, if you were to frame you subject in a medium shot (we will talk about shot types in a later module) the focus area would probably be your subject's eyes. So, you would want to frame your subject with her eyes on on of the upper two focal points. See example 3.This is an example of a well framed medium shot.

Example 3

Notice in example 4 you will see how to use the horizon line in a full shot. Notice how the horizon begins to disappear near the lower third line. This is an example of a well framed full shot.

Example 4