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Hi Everyone, it’s time for another photo competition.

We’ve already done all the different technical bits, aperture, shutter speeds, depth of field; now, let’s try composition! And start with the “Rule of Thirds” (Wikipedia link).

Ok, if you know how to get your exposure right, sharp focus, colours, but still, it feels like your pictures look a bit “ordinary”… changing a viewpoint, or following some simple composition rules can make them more visually appealing.
Rule of thirds is really simple, and somehow naturally pleasing to an eye.

Divide the frame into 9 equal rectangles, 3 across and 3 down. Place the important element(s) of the scene along one or more of the lines or where the lines intersect.

Switching on a grid in the viewfinder can be helpful.

What to photograph? Anything you like!
Personally, I have a few items in my diary already.

Sunday 10th – Chinese New Year, big and colourful celebrations in London
https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/4733685-chinese-new-year-in-london

Tuesday 19th – the Supermoon!
https://inews.co.uk/news/science/february-full-moon-2019-super-snow-when-date/

Sunday 24th – I’m heading to Kew Gardens for the Orchid show
https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/orchids-celebrate-the-colour-of-colombia

And there are plenty more events happening in February!

Or just be spontaneous! Below are few pics I shot last year in Feb in Kew Gardens. Remember the heavy snowfall? “Beast from the East”? Instead of staying at home, I decided to head to Kew, as this was the only opportunity to photograph the gardens covered in snow 🙂

Kew Gardens - rule of thirds

I’ve created a Pinterest board, but you are the artist, so feel free to experiment with settings; please just remember that this month we are looking for pics shot with a “rule of thirds.”

rule of thirds pinterest photography competition

Remember that the winner will receive £50 in course vouchers. Please submit maximum three of your best pictures. We’ll choose the winner and publish a selection of our favourite images.

We are looking forward to seeing your entries!!!

It is easy to enter, and the competition is open to everyone. Entry closes on 28th February 2019.

Your pictures should be saved as jpg files and not bigger than 3MB. Remember to name your files e.g. katesmith1.jpg

Please email your best pictures (3 max) to [email protected]

We will notify the winners on 15th March 2019.

Terms and Conditions

  1. All images submitted must be the work of the individual submitting them and not in breach of any copyright.
  2. Copyright in all images submitted for this competition remains with the respective entrants. However, you give permission to DSLR Photography Courses to feature your images in any of their publications, their websites and/or in any promotional material connected to this competition.
  3. Only 3 images per person are allowed.
  4. The images should be in JPEG format and not bigger than 3MB, with the resolution not smaller than 150dpi. Entries must be labelled with the entrant’s name.
  5. Images should be emailed to [email protected]
  6. The judges’ decision is final.
  7. The winner will be notified within seven days of the closing date of the competition via email and announced on DSLR Photography Courses website and social media.
  8. The prize vouchers will be valid for 12 months, and there are no cash alternatives. The voucher can be used for half a day courses and workshops to the value of the voucher, as well as a part payment for any other full day or specialised courses we offer of a higher value.
  9. Only three images per person will be accepted per month, and each image can be entered only once and not be used for the future competitions.
  10. DSLR Photography Courses reserves the right to disqualify any entry which breaches any of the competition rules.
  11. Any personal details of the competitors will be used only for the administering purposes and not published or provided to third parties. DSLR Photography Courses reserves the right to publish the winner’s name on their website and media sites and publications.
  12. Any late or corrupted files won’t be accepted.
  13. Promoter: DSLR Photography Courses, Wimbledon Art Studios, 10 Riverside Road, London SW17 0BB.
Roland Pokrywka

Professional photographer passionate about capturing the beauty of nature, landscapes, and travel — TakeBetterPictures.co.uk