You may already know this but just in case anyone would like some cropping help when trying to establish ‘rule of thirds’ composition, you can set the grid in your PhotoShop program to show you where the points of intersection are. I’ve often read where people say they just use their eye and usually it works well, however, I’ve been discovering that when I set the grid it produces some startling results with a new crop.
Anyway, here’s how to do that just in case you didn’t already know.
I use PS Elements 5 by the way.
Holly :-)
1. Go to “Edit” and choose “Preferences” . The arrow will produce a flyout menu, choose “Grid”
2. When the new window opens, change “Gridline” to 33
3. In the space beside ‘gridline’, click on the arrow and change to “per cent”
4. Change “Subdivisions” to 1
5. Click “okay”
6. When you want to turn off the grid just go to “View” and click on “Grid”.
KMorral
Thanks, that will be useful- may try it at some point.
Holly Cawfield:
You’re welcome K. I find it surprisingly useful at times when I’m dithering over a crop. It fascinates me to see how the look of a picture changes entirely when I have the subject at the ‘proper’ intersections.
hardhhhat
Nice one – I use an online tool where you can upload your picture and try out a lot of the golden rules and see how it fits – there is a link on my links page – GOLDEN ;)
Holly Cawfield:
HH, I remember when you posted this on PG but I’ve just realized that I haven’t used it for a while. It’s a fantastic tool. Thanks for the reminder!! :-D
Von McKnelly
Excellent message Holly. As I like to say “know the rules then break the hell out of them.”
Holly Cawfield:
LoL Von! I totally understand. Of course the key in what you’ve written here is ‘know the rules’. I’m always amazed at the way people refuse to learn the rules before they break them. :-)
Of course you say you break them but a look at your gallery shows you’ve got a very strong handle on composition and a great instinct. “Save Us” with its perfect rule of thirds, “She” and “TKO” with strong diagonal composition, “Morning Feast” hits the intersection points beautifully. When you break the rules you do it intelligently and creatively.
Heather Rivet...
I agree with Von..I know them never use them
Holly Cawfield:
And I’d say the same thing to you Heather that I said to Von. You’ve got a gallery filled with wonderful images that inherently follow the rules. You have very good compositional instincts!
Von McKnelly
You are my newest bestest friend Holly…have a wonderful weekend.
Holly Cawfield:
LoL Von! Have a great weekend yourself. :-D
Kathy Reid
Thanks heaps Holly, I’ve just started using photoshop so will save this to refer to next time I need it. You’re a gem!!
Holly Cawfield:
Kathy, I’m no expert in PS (not at all) but if there’s anything I can help you with just send a bubblemail and ask. If I know the answer I’ll send you a tutorial. :-D
Heather Rivet...
I know just teasing you Holly.well done Heather and have a fantastic weekend my friend
Holly Cawfield:
:-D You have a fantastic weekend too Heather! I hope you find yourself out getting lots of photos…..safely!!! I’m always looking forward to seeing your next upload!