Best was do deal with weeds is plant so thickly that there is little room for weeds. You do have to get all the perennial weeds out first - dock, dandelions, couch grass etc.
In college, I learned six rules of composition. At the end of the lesson my professor told the class “these rules are meant to be broken. Once you know how to apply these concepts to a photo, you can mix and match rules or just break them all together. You don’t have to follow these rules”
And it's true. A lot of self thought artists spend a lot of time working and studying how to imply these principles and struggle to see their skills develop past their own knowledge. Talent is equal to the risks we feel we can take. That's not a healthy mindset. Exploration and fun really is what it takes to get good at it. I think when your jumping those tracks of what about your failure did you like and feel is valuable. Not the healthiest mindset. That's why I'm here. I want to brake the rules like an artist one massive micro failure at a time. 😂🤦♀️
Really the ‘rule of thirds’ is just a way of saying to beginners: “Don’t put it in the bloody middle every single bloody time!” “Except when it’s a reflection perhaps” “Or when you want to create a particular effect” I’ve never forgotten our art teacher showing us how often when dropping a standard grid onto a classical painting the key points or lines all aligned with the grid like magic. However it wasn’t a grid of thirds it was the Golden Section, close, but not quite on the thirds. To my eye / brain that little bit closer to the middle usually feels more comfortable. I do a lot of wildlife photography and placing the subject on a third line always seems just a bit awkward or stiff. Great video.
I agree. I hate the term "rule" of thirds. People get that in their head and they think everything has to be right on one either one of the lines or one of the power points where the lines cross. I think more about asymmetry. Yes, for a lot subjects dead center is too static and boring. There are exceptions. Using the "rule" of thirds doesn't help if you have all kinds of distracting stuff at the edges.
Your thougths on the Rule of Thirds reminds me of the line from the movie, "Pirates of the Caribbean" where Hector Barbossa says," The code is more what you'd call 'guidelines' than actual rules." Thanks for your take on the Guidelines of Thirds.
You easily have one of the best personalities on all of UA-cam. Absolutely love your videos, James. I’ve found your channel about 2 weeks ago and I’ve watched every video so far. You’ve really been helping me through a heavily emotional time in my life by inspiring and reigniting the creative spark within me. Thank you for your dedication to this channel ♥️
I do use the grid, or should I say, I always have it displayed on. But now that you say it, I realize I never use it (except to get trees or walls or sea horizon in the right position) and just do like you do : ''my eye must like the composition''. So I'll get rid off that grid , I'll turn it off right away. Thank you Theo !
Found James a few days ago and been binge watching ever since. Definitely my favorite UA-cam channel now. I like how its 70% Photography and 30% Comedy but 110% Awesomeness. Im in Clearwater, Florida USA and we have no goats just miles and miles of beach’s.
When I teach composition I mention it but advise the students instead to pick their subject and compose it to put it into context with its environment.
I think rules aren't bad in themselves, for someone learning photography they can be helpful. The rule that drives me crazy is that a photo must tell a story. When I was in photo class many years ago you told a story with a series of photos.
I really like the rule of thirds, and I'd say it's even good to have as a rule and not a guideline. Beginners can really struggle to convey an artistic idea through a photo without rules to follow, a hard and fast "do this and it will look good" rule really appeals to someone with little idea of what they're doing. I've been through that. As a person gains more experiance and starts to build their creative side, they will naturally start to get dissatisfied with the rule and will attempt to bend it or break it, this constructive experimentation it exponentially more betterer than the wild flailing that ensues when you give a total newbie a big scary black camera and tell him to go ham with it. TL;DR: Let it be a true rule for those of us just starting out, those with more experience will treat it as a guideline/aid no matter what it's called.
The rule of thirds is something people with an eye for aesthetics or natural beauty take for granted. When you're experienced, or naturally talented, there's no real need to follow any specific rules. However, many people don't fall into that category and struggle to understand basic composition..... How many times have you passed a camera to someone to take a simple group shot and ended up with mostly feet or sky? 😂 Once they understand it, the rule of thirds is an excellent, general guide for people without an 'eye' for photography. I prefer the golden ratio guidelines, whenever possible.
ppl tend to forget everyone can gain experience & naturally talented means you learn a lot quicker then others & nothing special also it wont mean much if you don't put effort in it since they don't 've special power that lets them learn things out of thin air. ROT / GR's like any other tool someone created that may or may not help as we'r individual & learn things in various way where ROT/GR.s no exception.
I don't usually comment on videos but I just have to say how much I love your videos. There's always something new to learn, I love your editing style and your humor is just spot on man! Quickly becoming my favorite photography channel. I appreciate the work you put in James! (Back to not commenting on videos for another 18 months again)
James: The rule of thirds is stupid... Also James: Set up every scene in this video using the rule of thirds 😂 love the content man keep it up! That idea of a rectangle instead of the whole grid is really solid.
James: "I've got no idea if I'm anywhere NEAR the line..." Literally ON the line. 😂 But seriously... I hope you see this James because I just want to say that I'm relatively new to your channel and your videos are BEAUTIFUL. I absolutely love the look and feel. Huge respect. I love them so much I went searching for your "How To Vlog" video just to see how you make them. Huge respect, and thank you for the inspiration! 🙏🏽
I can't thank everyone enough for making these informative videos. You youtubers are real angels for sharing your knowledge and passion with thw world. I know its not something you guys are use to hearing. I'm can't wait to apply these techniques on my own adventures. Have a blessed day. ❤
Hey, James, I love your channel you make me laugh when you do go off course and starts talking about something else. I've been learning photography here in London self-taught and James just wanted to say thanks for the tutorials I'm getting some good tip and tricks helping me along the way. Thank you and keep up the good work I am a fan now cheers Mark 🙏
This! I hate all the channels that say my photos that they’ve never seen are rubbish because my camera body is not the same brand as theirs, cost 1/4 of what theirs cost, that my lenses are too cheap, my camera bag isn’t the price of a small car, and I don’t have 17 filters worth just shy of a SpaceX mission, and to top it all of I didn’t follow the exact rule of thirds. Photography is art! Thank you James! Also when you said marketer I pictured you stood in front of a market stall with one of those crazy bumbag things on the traders wear shouting “4 for £1, 4 for £1!”
Hi James. I never thought about this the subject and the journey to go. Thank you. Even in food photos, there's story and I'm new to all of this but I'm starting to think more and more about story thanks to some other channels and now yours as well. Thanks for the work and time you put into making videos. Cheers, Ivy.
Interesting! I've been blinded my whole life by thinking subjects is always best place in the center, but now after seeing your method of placing a subjects in the corner to tell the story of an journey, i'm fully convinced now that the rule of thirds is stupid and I want to try it for myself. Anyway love the tips and keep up the good work!
The Rule of Thirds is a hold over from painting composition that has been applied to photography. These rules of composition served the Great Masters of Painting well and were used to evoke certain feelings from the viewer, much like certain music notes create certain feelings and moods when combined. And the Rule of Thirds is not about lining up your subject or point of interest on the "lines" but at the "intersection" of the lines. Like all rules of composition it can be broken at anytime if it does not serve the subject of your image. Not applying the Rule of Thirds doesn't mean you have a bad photo, but applying it will more often lead to a stronger photo.
Yes agreed. I see many boring shots where the subject is just plumb in the middle of the frame and it leaves you wondering what is on either side of it? Using the RoT helps place your subject in some sort of context and tells a better story than just centering your subject (although that can work sometimes).
Right, when he was showing the various photos, I thought he was showing examples of times that the ROT works. Yet the B-roll voiceover was of him trying to make a point against that. I got confused bc most of the subjects in the photos fell on the intersecting lines, but it wasn't until I saw this comment that it hit me that he just didn't understand the rule of thirds and that's why it seemed like he was contradicting himself lol.
Rules are made to be broken and you have given some great reasons why. I like your videos because you stay consistent in them by always emphasizing that your photo tells a story...the pieces of a puzzle coming together. Great video and tips.
The rule of thumb-thirds.. The thing about using 2/3 of the frame as negative space is something I really enjoy about your photos honestly, it gives a great sense of scale and contrast with the part of the image where there's something actually going on. Really, really like it a lot.
Love it, agree on the word "rule" it can get to be a mental block for some and a crutch for others who just use that guide and don't really think about the composition. Just makes for dull photos in some cases. Also, since moving from the midlands to Florida, nothing has made me miss home as much as your peak district videos. It's such a beautiful place! Also, got your books this week. Nice job! I really like the layout in the new book. Thanks!
Totally agree with the bike bit around 4:45 (ish). I do the same with runners when I'm snapping them. Place them in that position, so that the viewer imagines them continuing their journey through the frame. Great to see you out and about. Had a walk on Bamford Edge the other day, one or two reasonable images again.
Great video. You're totally right, "Guide of Thirds" is more accurate...but it doesn't seem as catchy. One problem that I struggled with early on (and still do from time to time) is not leaving myself enough space in a shot for artistic cropping, rotating to correct level, etc. I've found that using the rule of thirds on my display/viewfinder tends to keep my subject far enough away from the edges of the frame that I almost always have enough space for for those things, even if I'm not planning on using the rule of thirds in the final edit.
Good points! I've often....well once or twice....thought that the golden spiral/section has that kind of ambiguity. Not only, I bet, do 99% of 'serious' photographers never use it to compose a shot, but post hoc, you can overlay it on a lot of images and claim 'look! It follows the golden spiral thingy'.
I have to say, this is probably the best video I've seen discussing the Rule of Thirds, and I've seen at least three of them. One thing I like to point out (because I'm the type of guy that likes to point out such things) is that the Rule of Thirds is more of a rule of human perception than it is a rule of composition, and as such, it can be used as a guide in composition. It's kind of like a speed limit; it doesn't indicate how fast your car CAN go, but it's an important guide while driving. Hmm, maybe it's not like that at all. . . . Also, I think the technical term is "marketeer". So I guess the gardening thing would make you a "weedeer"? Not to be confused with a wee deer.
In photography, the rule of thirds is a type of composition in which an image is divided evenly into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and the subject of the image is placed at the intersection of those dividing lines, or along one of the lines itself.
As a painter as well as a very amateur photographer, the idea, as I understand it, is that one has to know the rules to know when and how to break them. In addition, my late father was fond of quoting (Confucius, I think) “Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the following of fools” very apt at present in so many ways.
Carolyne MacMillan @Carolyne MacMillan Thank you for that correction, sadly I cannot correct my father. I see, also that Douglas Bader was also fond of it.
What I love the most about photography rules, is that often it pays to break them. Because you're breaking the rules, it makes people stop and take an extra look. Granted, it doesn't always work, but when it does, you can get amazing images.
James, thanks again for another great video. Your points mirror my own feelings on the rule of thirds. I've gone from not knowing about it, to using it exclusively, to not really thinking about it much as I'm composing. I would like some sort of an example about when something is okay to be in the middle of the frame. Headshots are the only example that come to mind.
Today you've made me realy happy. I'm from Germany and today i received both of your books (vol. 1 & 2). They seem to be realy great. This evening i will take the time to "read" them and the funny notes. Thanks for your personal message. :-) You and your Images are great ;-) thanks :-)
100 % Ok with what you say and explain. Yet I'd say that you need first a full understanding/mastering (mastery ? I'm french...) of a rule in order to choose to get rid of that rule or not. Once the rule is under control, you can overrule knowing what you do and why you do it.
For teaching purposes (for beginners) the rule of thirds has its place, to help people craft better more impactful compositions. But as the saying goes, once you know the rules, you then know when you can break them. But I think it's a good "rule" (or "suggestion" as some will say) to follow when starting out until you've got a good grasp of basic composition and the generally accepted do's/don'ts of composition). I will say that the ROT is my "fail safe" composition technique that I go to though if I'm having a hard time composing a scene though, I'll start there and sometimes from that I can identify other things or themes/compositional guides to further refine the composition, but if I'm stuck, I'll start with looking at the scene in terms of the ROT. But I think at the same time, we don't need to obsess about things like the "power points" (where the horizontal and vertical lines intersect in the grid) and can even have some leeway in terms of being off slightly. Basically, it just helps people avoid the classic beginner mistake of putting everything in the middle of the frame (sometimes it works fine, many times it doesn't though).
In my opinion the trick behind the rule of thirds is to push you into composing your images deliberately. So if you want to have your subject in the center it should be right in the center. And if your intention is to place the subject in a corner it should be a good portion away from the center. It helps so that you don‘t end up with a subject somewhere in between, where it‘s not clear to the viewer if you chose the composition on purpose or just placed it there by accident. I think that‘s the baseline behind this rule and not if anything is on an intersection of some lines.
Lmao yeah like all the "unique" people with tattoos and piercings that are so unique like all the others who do the same. Not following the norm is as cliche as following the norm. In a world of Billions of people youre never going to be original. Its sad people are so desperate to be.
Rules are absolutely necessary when you are first learning anything. They simplify things when you lack experience. As you become more experienced, you learn other ways of doing things and you will know when it is best to not follow the rule.
5:08 on exception though: I could imaging a WRC car that leaves a cloud of dust behind it and rather show it by placing the car closer to the second line (from left to right) than the usual first.
Thank you! I hate that photography is attached to 'rules'. Rules have a place in the world, but not in photography. My photos need to speak to me and my audience. That's all that matters to me.
While editing, I like to put the different composition overlays available in Lightroom over the image to see which one I "used". I always seem to find one that more or less fits, no matter how rubbish the image is. Gotta be some sort of lesson there.
Like all photographic "rules" learn them, understand them and then use them if appropriate. By and large when I demonstrate the ROT to a beginners class its like a lightbulb has been switched on. Their compositions improve when they use it. Its up to them to learn when to apply it from there on.
My Dad referred to the rules of photography as the tools of photography. As in the tool of Thirds. When it came to tools he also said to use the right tool for the job.
After spending several years on amateur photography forums (groups and discussion areas), I have got an impression it is an "American way" to name guides as rules. For example Philippe Halsman had his six photography "rules" on how to make photos stand out. Well, he was not originally American though. But he made his career and success there. I suppose the point to call something as a rule is to remember it, and use it like a ruler (tape measure). So, you measure where for example one meter is, and then you approximately know where is 1.3 meter. Meaning that it gives you a level and point of comparison. When it comes to such grid guidelines, I rather use the golden section available on some cameras. It helps me to level especially the horizon line. On some cameras I use something like 4x6 grid for the same reason. Or grid of thirds, if nothing better is available. What comes to golden section, I would rather rely on that. Or at least study it carefully. It is used in arts for centuries, and it gives a strong argument. But of course that should not be a rule either. Again only a guide where to start from.
Great video thanks. You mentioned a surfer. I have done some surfing photography of the surfing championships in Sydney and given that a lot of thought in final cropping. My belief is that you can have the surfer almost in the middle. An important part of surfing is the wake that is left behind the surfer, his line through the surf and the wall of water he leaves behind. To me this is an integral part of the image. Consequently to show this and the surfer to full advantage it does not look out of balance for the surfer to be further into the image. Of course this is my opinion and I will probably be howled down.
Always nice to learn new ways to look at things. The thing about physical "rules" or "laws" is that they aren't just made up, they're discovered. The human face is rule of thirds and it's pleasing to the human eye. It's also everywhere you look like you mentioned, you can make anything fit it. The image with the surfer that's too near the middle? There are times where it makes more sense to leave room behind to show where they've been than to leave a place for them to go. He's leaving a wake behind which to me is more interesting than the water in front. If I'm shooting a drag car I leave room in front, unless the car is trailing huge billowing clouds of smoke or I can get the business of the lights, the track marshals and and the tower in the shot. Different thought processes.
The "Rule of Thirds" has always been a misnomer seeing as it is a rule of thumb/guideline rather than a set rule. Maybe the "Law of Thirds" might have been better but good luck getting the name changed now 😁 That said your video shows the best ways to apply it in composition.
@Justin not really if you think of it more in terms of laws of the game as in football. They are open to interpretation and more flexibility, whereas rules have to be obeyed literally 😁
100% agree, every time I focus on following generic compositional rules, I end up hating the shot. I do like some rules to drive creativity, like restricting yourself to one lens is always a fun way to make me think outside of the box.
Great vid! Too the point and entertaining. Inspiring too, need to get out this weekend. This was the nudge. Loved your last vid especially with story telling. Spruced up my blog as a result. Thanks!!!
I agree and think the phrase “rule” might make it more strict than it should be. I do think it’s useful for some new photographers who struggle with composition. Since I was a kid, I’ve used the “rule”, not even knowing about it, just because I thought the pictures looked good and represented the style of photos I saw in books and magazines. But I do see photographs of friends and relatives on social media where the composition is all off because they have never thought of a rule of thirds when composing a photograph. So, I think it sort of comes naturally to some, but not to others. And then there is the whole art of when to break the rule, which I would say you did with some of your ambiguous examples (And they looked great).
Hear, hear. Finally someone who put the foot down about the rules. If I look at a photograph I would not comment it with. Nae, that had been a great photograph if he hadn’t miss the rule of third. I am rarely using it in the field. I am more a “cropper” in LR instead.
Thanks for the video as always! Just one question that's hurting my brain: Why, in the helicopter picture, the chopper is blue and white, and the reflection is yellow?
Bugger! That's today. Been watching your vids until my camera arrived which it did yesterday evening and spent this afternoon plugging in some settings after a bike ride down the Trans Pennine near Lymm. Might head out to the Peak District on the Triumph tomorrow to try out the E-M1 Mkii and 17mm F/1.8. Only lens I have; figured it was time for a single prime challenge. Keep up the great work, James. My wife loved Emily's comments on the vid you did about avoiding photography break-ups such that she frowned when I suggested brining the camera on the bike ride this morning. THANKS EMILY ;)
@@JamesPopsysPhoto Oh, and in the event that you happen to bump into my wife and I on a hike; I DO NOT have a man crush on you okay. So maybe I've spent more time watching your video's over the past few days than I have with her but it's purely an educational thing so let's just get that straight. Straight! See, I used the most opportune word. By the way, not sure the salmon pink shorts work for you skin tone. Just a little friendly, straight advice. Right; back to the videos.
Hello James and family in Chinley and Chapel en le Frith 😀. Great tips and good to see your not braking any bones on that 🚵♂️. I'm struggling to visualise you weeding James I always pictured Emily doing that particular chore 🤣
I never use the grid in my cameras for the rule of thirds, but to get the horizon straight. Besides in my NIKONs the grid separates the view into 16 parts (4 horizontal and 4 vertical) so it would be a "rule of quaters". I don't know why this is, but it helps to find the middle.
Totally agree with you James, I flout this 'rule' all the time, the only thing, I at times, do stick to is a lead into the scene, and that lead takes you through the frame to the distance, and yeh I use, the rule of 2 thirds sky or 2 thirds land, er heck I guess I'm using the rules... What just happened... The rule of thirds works I guess, but we can still bend this rule... Can't we?
Thanks James! Really informative video, even though this is something I've already incorporated without even realising! Maybe you should do a timelapse of your weeding sometime... lol
I do a lot of live broadcast and I use the grid and the centre marker. When doing 3/4 views of people I like to make sure that the person is looking towards the middle of the frame rather than the edge for similar reasons to your movement thing.
I think we should call it the Tool of Thirds. This has multiple benefits: 1) It rhymes with the original = easy to remember. Yay! 2) It tells us this is something in our toolbox, not something that must be followed no matter the cost. And 3) it implies that all things considered, it's a bit of a jerk and will screw you over if it very well pleases.
Think that the 'rule-of-thirds' can give budding photographers a good handhold when it comes to compositioning; something easy to think of (helped by those in-viewfinder lines) when they wrestle with their new found hobby. BTW: book safely arrived and loved the little note ;-)
"WASSSUPPP!!" Crikey that takes me back! LOL By the way, you might have noticed over the past goodness knows how long, that I always seem to comment on something funny you've either said or done in your videos, rather than the serious stuff you talk about. This is mainly because, admittedly I do watch them for the entertainment value. I watch them for the educational stuff as well, but mainly for the entertainment value! Anyway, I'm waffling now so, tat ta for now! The only advice I can offer you about weeding is that one should avoid it at all costs! LOL. I use both the centre marker and the Rule of thirds thingy in my camera (I shoot with a Lumix, generally speaking, too) and I do find the centre marker to be more useful.. Now I'm definitely waffling!
As long as you pull off a cracking pic nothing really matters... What i can see with a lot of Photographers they are to picky about all sorts of things when taking a picture, if it’s a wonderful shot that’s what counts 🏴👍🏼
With a photo I took last week, it was a female Mallard with a few ducklings. She spotted me so turned to move in the opposite direction from me. So since they were swimming away from me, rather than having them at the lower third line in the frame, I had them at the upper third line in the middle of the frame.
Haven't you heard what Pablo Picasso said, “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist” , that's why I don't care about any rules in photography. Just capture the moment and enjoy it, then later you will gain an amazing results.
Your book arrived in NY today - it's lovely! You're going to use your Tripod???? I've never gotten the hang of using it. I even take bird pics handheld. I like the idea of keeping the grid on the camera - but I use the viewfinder not the screen and don't know if I can set up in the viewfinder.
I thought ROT was awesome when I was in grade school, many moons ago. For our first water painting practice, our art teacher told us to divide the paper into thirds; shore in the lower third, water/ocean the middle and sky at the top third. (No, he didn't tell us to place the sun or coconuts hanging from the palm tree at one of the gold spots.) It was so easy to get our first water painting done. But today's Urban Legend of the ROT is another story. Even after shooting for over four decades, I didn't aware of ROT was mentioned much anywhere, during the film era. For instance, even Kodak publications such as the "Pocket Guide to 35mm Photography" (1983) or "The Photographer's Handbook" by John Hedgecoe (1979) didn't mention it. I believed it began with the increasing popularity of DSLR and I had read a lot about ROT and its intersections in various forums. The problem is that according to the excerpt from John Thomas Smith's illustrated book (source: Wiki), he didn't include anything about intersections. So, it is most likely brought over from the Golden Ratio. One creator recently explained why he did it was that it is easier to explain than the Golden Ratio.
I have a lot of photo books from my film period - 1975-1990ish that talk about RoT, but they all qualify it as a guideline that sometimes can be broken, or that alternatives (symmetry, spiral, golden ratio etc) existed. It certainly was not “enforced” as it seems to be today. In fact, so far as I can tell, the RoT is really just an easier to use variant/approximation of the Golden Ratio.
Any advice on weeding would be much appreciated...
Divide your garden into thirds and work through the "frame" Send those weeds on a journey ;)
You do a third of them then let Emily do the other 2 thirds
make sure the you take out the roots to prevent them growing again ... i think thats right 😅
@@jonathanroberts6665 Yes! dont leave that hidden third, or it will come back to haunt you!
Best was do deal with weeds is plant so thickly that there is little room for weeds. You do have to get all the perennial weeds out first - dock, dandelions, couch grass etc.
In college, I learned six rules of composition. At the end of the lesson my professor told the class “these rules are meant to be broken. Once you know how to apply these concepts to a photo, you can mix and match rules or just break them all together. You don’t have to follow these rules”
And it's true. A lot of self thought artists spend a lot of time working and studying how to imply these principles and struggle to see their skills develop past their own knowledge. Talent is equal to the risks we feel we can take. That's not a healthy mindset. Exploration and fun really is what it takes to get good at it. I think when your jumping those tracks of what about your failure did you like and feel is valuable. Not the healthiest mindset. That's why I'm here. I want to brake the rules like an artist one massive micro failure at a time. 😂🤦♀️
I've had open heart surgery, a quadruple heart bypass. I can confirm, taxes are worse as the pain and suffering of trying to do them never ends.
Glad you made it 🙏🏻
Me too, but I decided the pain & strain of doing my own taxes was too much to risk!
Just commit tax fraud
Really the ‘rule of thirds’ is just a way of saying to beginners: “Don’t put it in the bloody middle every single bloody time!” “Except when it’s a reflection perhaps” “Or when you want to create a particular effect”
I’ve never forgotten our art teacher showing us how often when dropping a standard grid onto a classical painting the key points or lines all aligned with the grid like magic. However it wasn’t a grid of thirds it was the Golden Section, close, but not quite on the thirds. To my eye / brain that little bit closer to the middle usually feels more comfortable. I do a lot of wildlife photography and placing the subject on a third line always seems just a bit awkward or stiff.
Great video.
I agree. I hate the term "rule" of thirds. People get that in their head and they think everything has to be right on one either one of the lines or one of the power points where the lines cross. I think more about asymmetry. Yes, for a lot subjects dead center is too static and boring. There are exceptions. Using the "rule" of thirds doesn't help if you have all kinds of distracting stuff at the edges.
whats wrong with the middle?
@An idiot... who says the eye has to be "drawn in"?
Your thougths on the Rule of Thirds reminds me of the line from the movie, "Pirates of the Caribbean" where Hector Barbossa says," The code is more what you'd call 'guidelines' than actual rules." Thanks for your take on the Guidelines of Thirds.
It should be a guideline anyway 😀😀
You easily have one of the best personalities on all of UA-cam. Absolutely love your videos, James. I’ve found your channel about 2 weeks ago and I’ve watched every video so far. You’ve really been helping me through a heavily emotional time in my life by inspiring and reigniting the creative spark within me. Thank you for your dedication to this channel ♥️
So nice to hear James, thank you :)
I don't use a grid. When it comes to composition, I have only 1 "rule": my eye must like the composition.
I do use the grid, or should I say, I always have it displayed on. But now that you say it, I realize I never use it (except to get trees or walls or sea horizon in the right position) and just do like you do : ''my eye must like the composition''.
So I'll get rid off that grid , I'll turn it off right away. Thank you Theo !
I dont use a grid, because i use a dslr and its too old to have grids in the viewfinder lol
Grid is only part of it, but i agree. If you take a second and Look. you can Crop an fix before you click hehehehe :)
Same. I never give any thought to lines or thirds or any of that, I only ask myself if I like it.
I switched to golden ratio some time back. Has helped me a lot.
The "Rule of thirds" is the lazy man's "Golden Ratio"
You’re like the rebellious landscape photographer of UA-cam... I love it!
Found James a few days ago and been binge watching ever since. Definitely my favorite UA-cam channel now. I like how its 70% Photography and 30% Comedy but 110% Awesomeness. Im in Clearwater, Florida USA and we have no goats just miles and miles of beach’s.
Thanks so much mate :)
When I teach composition I mention it but advise the students instead to pick their subject and compose it to put it into context with its environment.
That’s great advice 😀😀
I think rules aren't bad in themselves, for someone learning photography they can be helpful. The rule that drives me crazy is that a photo must tell a story. When I was in photo class many years ago you told a story with a series of photos.
I really like the rule of thirds, and I'd say it's even good to have as a rule and not a guideline.
Beginners can really struggle to convey an artistic idea through a photo without rules to follow, a hard and fast "do this and it will look good" rule really appeals to someone with little idea of what they're doing. I've been through that.
As a person gains more experiance and starts to build their creative side, they will naturally start to get dissatisfied with the rule and will attempt to bend it or break it, this constructive experimentation it exponentially more betterer than the wild flailing that ensues when you give a total newbie a big scary black camera and tell him to go ham with it.
TL;DR: Let it be a true rule for those of us just starting out, those with more experience will treat it as a guideline/aid no matter what it's called.
The rule of thirds is something people with an eye for aesthetics or natural beauty take for granted.
When you're experienced, or naturally talented, there's no real need to follow any specific rules.
However, many people don't fall into that category and struggle to understand basic composition..... How many times have you passed a camera to someone to take a simple group shot and ended up with mostly feet or sky? 😂
Once they understand it, the rule of thirds is an excellent, general guide for people without an 'eye' for photography.
I prefer the golden ratio guidelines, whenever possible.
me too. rule of third is just a stepping stone, not the end. once you step out of it you will realise that there are so many ways to make the frame.
ppl tend to forget everyone can gain experience & naturally talented means you learn a lot quicker then others & nothing special also it wont mean much if you don't put effort in it since they don't 've special power that lets them learn things out of thin air. ROT / GR's like any other tool someone created that may or may not help as we'r individual & learn things in various way where ROT/GR.s no exception.
I don't usually comment on videos but I just have to say how much I love your videos. There's always something new to learn, I love your editing style and your humor is just spot on man! Quickly becoming my favorite photography channel. I appreciate the work you put in James! (Back to not commenting on videos for another 18 months again)
Thanks so much mate, I really appreciate it :)
I like the grid as it helps me getting horizontal lines straight in the composition.
I like the transition where you pick up the camera, satisfying for some reason.
James: The rule of thirds is stupid...
Also James: Set up every scene in this video using the rule of thirds
😂 love the content man keep it up! That idea of a rectangle instead of the whole grid is really solid.
that it matches with the rule does not mean he uses this rule (...)
=]] I like you comment (This/That)
issue with ppl when they are too deep & unable to grow & too reliant of few things, trying too hard to co relate everything to their belief
@@emanuel_soundtrack That's the joke
James: "I've got no idea if I'm anywhere NEAR the line..."
Literally ON the line. 😂
But seriously... I hope you see this James because I just want to say that I'm relatively new to your channel and your videos are BEAUTIFUL. I absolutely love the look and feel. Huge respect. I love them so much I went searching for your "How To Vlog" video just to see how you make them. Huge respect, and thank you for the inspiration! 🙏🏽
I can't thank everyone enough for making these informative videos. You youtubers are real angels for sharing your knowledge and passion with thw world. I know its not something you guys are use to hearing. I'm can't wait to apply these techniques on my own adventures. Have a blessed day. ❤
Watched this yesterday, and appreciated it a lot. Just noticed FStoppers shared it as well! Nice work, Thanks for keeping us entertained James!
before i knew this rule i was already called for a competition.... see, the essential part is contemplation of great works by the great painters.
Hey, James, I love your channel you make me laugh when you do go off course and starts talking about something else. I've been learning photography here in London self-taught and James just wanted to say thanks for the tutorials I'm getting some good tip and tricks helping me along the way. Thank you and keep up the good work I am a fan now cheers Mark 🙏
Gotta say, when demonstrating on your bike, you were ON POINT when showing where each third is located haha
Haha, I couldn't believe it :)
This! I hate all the channels that say my photos that they’ve never seen are rubbish because my camera body is not the same brand as theirs, cost 1/4 of what theirs cost, that my lenses are too cheap, my camera bag isn’t the price of a small car, and I don’t have 17 filters worth just shy of a SpaceX mission, and to top it all of I didn’t follow the exact rule of thirds.
Photography is art! Thank you James!
Also when you said marketer I pictured you stood in front of a market stall with one of those crazy bumbag things on the traders wear shouting “4 for £1, 4 for £1!”
Haha! I wouldn't flog much! Cheers Greg, agreed :)
Hi James. I never thought about this the subject and the journey to go. Thank you. Even in food photos, there's story and I'm new to all of this but I'm starting to think more and more about story thanks to some other channels and now yours as well. Thanks for the work and time you put into making videos. Cheers, Ivy.
Interesting! I've been blinded my whole life by thinking subjects is always best place in the center, but now after seeing your method of placing a subjects in the corner to tell the story of an journey, i'm fully convinced now that the rule of thirds is stupid and I want to try it for myself. Anyway love the tips and keep up the good work!
Best advice I ever heard is learn the rules of photography so you can break them and you will unlock your better potential 😀 great video James!!
Screw the rules
It was good in the beginning of learning now i think just like you. Screw them
Agreed
Rule the screws.
Just Dave he sirrr
Just Dave yes sirr
The Rule of Thirds is a hold over from painting composition that has been applied to photography. These rules of composition served the Great Masters of Painting well and were used to evoke certain feelings from the viewer, much like certain music notes create certain feelings and moods when combined.
And the Rule of Thirds is not about lining up your subject or point of interest on the "lines" but at the "intersection" of the lines. Like all rules of composition it can be broken at anytime if it does not serve the subject of your image. Not applying the Rule of Thirds doesn't mean you have a bad photo, but applying it will more often lead to a stronger photo.
Yes agreed. I see many boring shots where the subject is just plumb in the middle of the frame and it leaves you wondering what is on either side of it? Using the RoT helps place your subject in some sort of context and tells a better story than just centering your subject (although that can work sometimes).
Right, when he was showing the various photos, I thought he was showing examples of times that the ROT works. Yet the B-roll voiceover was of him trying to make a point against that. I got confused bc most of the subjects in the photos fell on the intersecting lines, but it wasn't until I saw this comment that it hit me that he just didn't understand the rule of thirds and that's why it seemed like he was contradicting himself lol.
Well everyone is somehow an expert , yet they never took a photo with anything other then their phone lol .
As a corollary, people need to stop using “the Rule” as a critique for photographs. IT’S NOT A RULE!!!
Exactly It is not Rule and it is only Guide. Thanks
The rule of thirds is a guide.
Photography has no rules.
Rules are made to be broken and you have given some great reasons why. I like your videos because you stay consistent in them by always emphasizing that your photo tells a story...the pieces of a puzzle coming together. Great video and tips.
Cheers Joseph :)
Thanks for sharing the scenarios where to use the 'line of third' and where not to use! Really being helpful to me🙂
The rule of thumb-thirds..
The thing about using 2/3 of the frame as negative space is something I really enjoy about your photos honestly, it gives a great sense of scale and contrast with the part of the image where there's something actually going on. Really, really like it a lot.
Cheers Jenny :)
Love it, agree on the word "rule" it can get to be a mental block for some and a crutch for others who just use that guide and don't really think about the composition. Just makes for dull photos in some cases.
Also, since moving from the midlands to Florida, nothing has made me miss home as much as your peak district videos. It's such a beautiful place!
Also, got your books this week. Nice job! I really like the layout in the new book. Thanks!
Totally agree with the bike bit around 4:45 (ish). I do the same with runners when I'm snapping them. Place them in that position, so that the viewer imagines them continuing their journey through the frame. Great to see you out and about. Had a walk on Bamford Edge the other day, one or two reasonable images again.
I also think of it as a guide of 3rds. I no longer do gardening but I use to LOATHE weeding. Very Much! Nice Intro/Outro Music.
“Got distracted,” he said sheepishly.
haha!
Congrats at passing the 100k.. well deserved James. It took longer than your channel merited.
Thanks so much Ian :)
Great video. You're totally right, "Guide of Thirds" is more accurate...but it doesn't seem as catchy.
One problem that I struggled with early on (and still do from time to time) is not leaving myself enough space in a shot for artistic cropping, rotating to correct level, etc. I've found that using the rule of thirds on my display/viewfinder tends to keep my subject far enough away from the edges of the frame that I almost always have enough space for for those things, even if I'm not planning on using the rule of thirds in the final edit.
Love that tip about moving subjects! I’m gonna have to try that one out- thanks James!
Good points! I've often....well once or twice....thought that the golden spiral/section has that kind of ambiguity. Not only, I bet, do 99% of 'serious' photographers never use it to compose a shot, but post hoc, you can overlay it on a lot of images and claim 'look! It follows the golden spiral thingy'.
I agree! I think we'd all like to say we consider it more than we actually do :)
I have to say, this is probably the best video I've seen discussing the Rule of Thirds, and I've seen at least three of them. One thing I like to point out (because I'm the type of guy that likes to point out such things) is that the Rule of Thirds is more of a rule of human perception than it is a rule of composition, and as such, it can be used as a guide in composition. It's kind of like a speed limit; it doesn't indicate how fast your car CAN go, but it's an important guide while driving. Hmm, maybe it's not like that at all. . . .
Also, I think the technical term is "marketeer". So I guess the gardening thing would make you a "weedeer"? Not to be confused with a wee deer.
Thanks Joel :)
In photography, the rule of thirds is a type of composition in which an image is divided evenly into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and the subject of the image is placed at the intersection of those dividing lines, or along one of the lines itself.
As a painter as well as a very amateur photographer, the idea, as I understand it, is that one has to know the rules to know when and how to break them.
In addition, my late father was fond of quoting (Confucius, I think) “Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the following of fools” very apt at present in so many ways.
The quote is from Harry Day. A WW1 Royal flying corps fighter ace "Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools."
Carolyne MacMillan
@Carolyne MacMillan
Thank you for that correction, sadly I cannot correct my father. I see, also that Douglas Bader was also fond of it.
What an Interesting person you seem to be. Love your videos, as they refresh my memory of photography classes from long ago.
What I love the most about photography rules, is that often it pays to break them. Because you're breaking the rules, it makes people stop and take an extra look. Granted, it doesn't always work, but when it does, you can get amazing images.
James, thanks again for another great video. Your points mirror my own feelings on the rule of thirds. I've gone from not knowing about it, to using it exclusively, to not really thinking about it much as I'm composing. I would like some sort of an example about when something is okay to be in the middle of the frame. Headshots are the only example that come to mind.
Today you've made me realy happy. I'm from Germany and today i received both of your books (vol. 1 & 2). They seem to be realy great. This evening i will take the time to "read" them and the funny notes. Thanks for your personal message. :-) You and your Images are great ;-) thanks :-)
My favourite video from this channel. Thanks James
Thanks for watching :)
8:00 is just magical..... man o man it’s beautiful!!!!!!!!
100 % Ok with what you say and explain.
Yet I'd say that you need first a full understanding/mastering (mastery ? I'm french...) of a rule in order to choose to get rid of that rule or not. Once the rule is under control, you can overrule knowing what you do and why you do it.
For teaching purposes (for beginners) the rule of thirds has its place, to help people craft better more impactful compositions. But as the saying goes, once you know the rules, you then know when you can break them. But I think it's a good "rule" (or "suggestion" as some will say) to follow when starting out until you've got a good grasp of basic composition and the generally accepted do's/don'ts of composition). I will say that the ROT is my "fail safe" composition technique that I go to though if I'm having a hard time composing a scene though, I'll start there and sometimes from that I can identify other things or themes/compositional guides to further refine the composition, but if I'm stuck, I'll start with looking at the scene in terms of the ROT.
But I think at the same time, we don't need to obsess about things like the "power points" (where the horizontal and vertical lines intersect in the grid) and can even have some leeway in terms of being off slightly. Basically, it just helps people avoid the classic beginner mistake of putting everything in the middle of the frame (sometimes it works fine, many times it doesn't though).
In my opinion the trick behind the rule of thirds is to push you into composing your images deliberately. So if you want to have your subject in the center it should be right in the center. And if your intention is to place the subject in a corner it should be a good portion away from the center. It helps so that you don‘t end up with a subject somewhere in between, where it‘s not clear to the viewer if you chose the composition on purpose or just placed it there by accident. I think that‘s the baseline behind this rule and not if anything is on an intersection of some lines.
Love the gripe.. Hate rules.. Think outside the square or RULE or THIRDS !! ..Its a staring point.. Nice work :)
Lmao yeah like all the "unique" people with tattoos and piercings that are so unique like all the others who do the same. Not following the norm is as cliche as following the norm. In a world of Billions of people youre never going to be original. Its sad people are so desperate to be.
@@toddysurcharge771 You sound like great fun..... (I'm being sarcastic in case you can't tell)
Rules are absolutely necessary when you are first learning anything. They simplify things when you lack experience. As you become more experienced, you learn other ways of doing things and you will know when it is best to not follow the rule.
5:08 on exception though: I could imaging a WRC car that leaves a cloud of dust behind it and rather show it by placing the car closer to the second line (from left to right) than the usual first.
Great vlog James! Taxes, weeding rockstar cracked me up! Love the tip on the entrance third I’ll pin that, note it or remember it as that’s a gem 💎
Thank you! I hate that photography is attached to 'rules'. Rules have a place in the world, but not in photography. My photos need to speak to me and my audience. That's all that matters to me.
While editing, I like to put the different composition overlays available in Lightroom over the image to see which one I "used". I always seem to find one that more or less fits, no matter how rubbish the image is. Gotta be some sort of lesson there.
Like all photographic "rules" learn them, understand them and then use them if appropriate. By and large when I demonstrate the ROT to a beginners class its like a lightbulb has been switched on. Their compositions improve when they use it. Its up to them to learn when to apply it from there on.
James: I'm not sure if I'm near the line
*is perfectly aligned with it
My Dad referred to the rules of photography as the tools of photography. As in the tool of Thirds. When it came to tools he also said to use the right tool for the job.
After spending several years on amateur photography forums (groups and discussion areas), I have got an impression it is an "American way" to name guides as rules. For example Philippe Halsman had his six photography "rules" on how to make photos stand out. Well, he was not originally American though. But he made his career and success there.
I suppose the point to call something as a rule is to remember it, and use it like a ruler (tape measure). So, you measure where for example one meter is, and then you approximately know where is 1.3 meter. Meaning that it gives you a level and point of comparison.
When it comes to such grid guidelines, I rather use the golden section available on some cameras. It helps me to level especially the horizon line. On some cameras I use something like 4x6 grid for the same reason. Or grid of thirds, if nothing better is available.
What comes to golden section, I would rather rely on that. Or at least study it carefully. It is used in arts for centuries, and it gives a strong argument. But of course that should not be a rule either. Again only a guide where to start from.
Great video thanks. You mentioned a surfer. I have done some surfing photography of the surfing championships in Sydney and given that a lot of thought in final cropping. My belief is that you can have the surfer almost in the middle. An important part of surfing is the wake that is left behind the surfer, his line through the surf and the wall of water he leaves behind. To me this is an integral part of the image. Consequently to show this and the surfer to full advantage it does not look out of balance for the surfer to be further into the image. Of course this is my opinion and I will probably be howled down.
Good point Donald! Ahh I miss surfing at Freshwater :(
I use the autofocus points inside my dslr viewfinder for composition and that usually works pretty well.
Always nice to learn new ways to look at things. The thing about physical "rules" or "laws" is that they aren't just made up, they're discovered. The human face is rule of thirds and it's pleasing to the human eye. It's also everywhere you look like you mentioned, you can make anything fit it.
The image with the surfer that's too near the middle? There are times where it makes more sense to leave room behind to show where they've been than to leave a place for them to go. He's leaving a wake behind which to me is more interesting than the water in front. If I'm shooting a drag car I leave room in front, unless the car is trailing huge billowing clouds of smoke or I can get the business of the lights, the track marshals and and the tower in the shot. Different thought processes.
The "Rule of Thirds" has always been a misnomer seeing as it is a rule of thumb/guideline rather than a set rule. Maybe the "Law of Thirds" might have been better but good luck getting the name changed now 😁
That said your video shows the best ways to apply it in composition.
Law of thirds sounds way better than rule 😀😀
@Justin not really if you think of it more in terms of laws of the game as in football. They are open to interpretation and more flexibility, whereas rules have to be obeyed literally 😁
@@JordanPritchard , I thought law was full of rules... It also implies an expectation of compliance with the rules.
100% agree, every time I focus on following generic compositional rules, I end up hating the shot. I do like some rules to drive creativity, like restricting yourself to one lens is always a fun way to make me think outside of the box.
Great vid! Too the point and entertaining. Inspiring too, need to get out this weekend. This was the nudge. Loved your last vid especially with story telling. Spruced up my blog as a result. Thanks!!!
I agree and think the phrase “rule” might make it more strict than it should be. I do think it’s useful for some new photographers who struggle with composition. Since I was a kid, I’ve used the “rule”, not even knowing about it, just because I thought the pictures looked good and represented the style of photos I saw in books and magazines. But I do see photographs of friends and relatives on social media where the composition is all off because they have never thought of a rule of thirds when composing a photograph. So, I think it sort of comes naturally to some, but not to others. And then there is the whole art of when to break the rule, which I would say you did with some of your ambiguous examples (And they looked great).
Hear, hear. Finally someone who put the foot down about the rules. If I look at a photograph I would not comment it with. Nae, that had been a great photograph if he hadn’t miss the rule of third. I am rarely using it in the field. I am more a “cropper” in LR instead.
Had heart valve valve replaced. Taxes are a doddle. Great video. Completely agree about rule if thirds.
Just recently started following & watching your channel. Love your style and content. Real useful information & tips.
Cheers Lee :)
Omg FINALLY someone made a video about this. I've felt this way too.
Thanks for the video as always! Just one question that's hurting my brain: Why, in the helicopter picture, the chopper is blue and white, and the reflection is yellow?
That's odd, it's not blue and white on my monitor... Thanks for watching :)
@@JamesPopsysPhoto Yep, weird! I'll send it to you tvia instagram later if you don't mind.
this taught me something really useful! About the journey through the frame, thank you!
Daaamn I like your edits and your COLORS. Good stuff 👍
Thank you for this advice I'll try at my next outing..!!!
4:56 "This line. I've got no idea if I'm anywhere near the line." *Is spot-on to the line* xD
I’ve had triple bypass heart ❤️ surgery and yes, taxes are more of a pain. Helpful video!
Bugger! That's today. Been watching your vids until my camera arrived which it did yesterday evening and spent this afternoon plugging in some settings after a bike ride down the Trans Pennine near Lymm. Might head out to the Peak District on the Triumph tomorrow to try out the E-M1 Mkii and 17mm F/1.8. Only lens I have; figured it was time for a single prime challenge. Keep up the great work, James. My wife loved Emily's comments on the vid you did about avoiding photography break-ups such that she frowned when I suggested brining the camera on the bike ride this morning. THANKS EMILY ;)
Cheers mate, have a great time, what a day for a ride!
@@JamesPopsysPhoto Oh, and in the event that you happen to bump into my wife and I on a hike; I DO NOT have a man crush on you okay. So maybe I've spent more time watching your video's over the past few days than I have with her but it's purely an educational thing so let's just get that straight. Straight! See, I used the most opportune word. By the way, not sure the salmon pink shorts work for you skin tone. Just a little friendly, straight advice. Right; back to the videos.
Hello James and family in Chinley and Chapel en le Frith 😀. Great tips and good to see your not braking any bones on that 🚵♂️. I'm struggling to visualise you weeding James I always pictured Emily doing that particular chore 🤣
I never use the grid in my cameras for the rule of thirds, but to get the horizon straight.
Besides in my NIKONs the grid separates the view into 16 parts (4 horizontal and 4 vertical) so it would be a "rule of quaters". I don't know why this is, but it helps to find the middle.
Totally agree with you James, I flout this 'rule' all the time, the only thing, I at times, do stick to is a lead into the scene, and that lead takes you through the frame to the distance, and yeh I use, the rule of 2 thirds sky or 2 thirds land, er heck I guess I'm using the rules... What just happened... The rule of thirds works I guess, but we can still bend this rule... Can't we?
Thanks James! Really informative video, even though this is something I've already incorporated without even realising! Maybe you should do a timelapse of your weeding sometime... lol
Yes 3rds is the grid, and it is not really just the grid. So you are completely Right :) You Rock
James! Finally someone else agrees! Thank you, I am now validated lol.
I think a lot agree with you 😀
James I do have one tip on weeding, get a gardener in lol. I'm too lazy lol
I do a lot of live broadcast and I use the grid and the centre marker. When doing 3/4 views of people I like to make sure that the person is looking towards the middle of the frame rather than the edge for similar reasons to your movement thing.
I think we should call it the Tool of Thirds. This has multiple benefits: 1) It rhymes with the original = easy to remember. Yay! 2) It tells us this is something in our toolbox, not something that must be followed no matter the cost. And 3) it implies that all things considered, it's a bit of a jerk and will screw you over if it very well pleases.
Precision cycling, you managed to get that front wheel right on the line!
Think that the 'rule-of-thirds' can give budding photographers a good handhold when it comes to compositioning; something easy to think of (helped by those in-viewfinder lines) when they wrestle with their new found hobby.
BTW: book safely arrived and loved the little note ;-)
Excellent point, and also a good reason to call it something other than a “rule.” Which is kind of Jame’s point, I think...
"WASSSUPPP!!" Crikey that takes me back! LOL By the way, you might have noticed over the past goodness knows how long, that I always seem to comment on something funny you've either said or done in your videos, rather than the serious stuff you talk about. This is mainly because, admittedly I do watch them for the entertainment value. I watch them for the educational stuff as well, but mainly for the entertainment value! Anyway, I'm waffling now so, tat ta for now! The only advice I can offer you about weeding is that one should avoid it at all costs! LOL. I use both the centre marker and the Rule of thirds thingy in my camera (I shoot with a Lumix, generally speaking, too) and I do find the centre marker to be more useful.. Now I'm definitely waffling!
haha! From one waffler to another, thanks mate! :)
As long as you pull off a cracking pic nothing really matters... What i can see with a lot of Photographers they are to picky about all sorts of things when taking a picture, if it’s a wonderful shot that’s what counts 🏴👍🏼
With a photo I took last week, it was a female Mallard with a few ducklings. She spotted me so turned to move in the opposite direction from me. So since they were swimming away from me, rather than having them at the lower third line in the frame, I had them at the upper third line in the middle of the frame.
Haven't you heard what Pablo Picasso said, “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist” , that's why I don't care about any rules in photography. Just capture the moment and enjoy it, then later you will gain an amazing results.
Congratulations on your 100K subs. You deserve it.
Your book arrived in NY today - it's lovely! You're going to use your Tripod???? I've never gotten the hang of using it. I even take bird pics handheld. I like the idea of keeping the grid on the camera - but I use the viewfinder not the screen and don't know if I can set up in the viewfinder.
Thanks so much Barbara :)
I thought ROT was awesome when I was in grade school, many moons ago. For our first water painting practice, our art teacher told us to divide the paper into thirds; shore in the lower third, water/ocean the middle and sky at the top third. (No, he didn't tell us to place the sun or coconuts hanging from the palm tree at one of the gold spots.) It was so easy to get our first water painting done. But today's Urban Legend of the ROT is another story. Even after shooting for over four decades, I didn't aware of ROT was mentioned much anywhere, during the film era. For instance, even Kodak publications such as the "Pocket Guide to 35mm Photography" (1983) or "The Photographer's Handbook" by John Hedgecoe (1979) didn't mention it.
I believed it began with the increasing popularity of DSLR and I had read a lot about ROT and its intersections in various forums. The problem is that according to the excerpt from John Thomas Smith's illustrated book (source: Wiki), he didn't include anything about intersections. So, it is most likely brought over from the Golden Ratio. One creator recently explained why he did it was that it is easier to explain than the Golden Ratio.
I have a lot of photo books from my film period - 1975-1990ish that talk about RoT, but they all qualify it as a guideline that sometimes can be broken, or that alternatives (symmetry, spiral, golden ratio etc) existed. It certainly was not “enforced” as it seems to be today. In fact, so far as I can tell, the RoT is really just an easier to use variant/approximation of the Golden Ratio.