The rule of thirds is one of favorite photo techniques.  I almost never take a centered shot.  I think objects look more interesting when there is a little bit of an off angle with some background behind it.  I especially like to get a shallow depth of field and close up, it's kind of my thing.  I like enjoy viewing images that highlight the subject and bring the eye to the main point.  I mostly shoot level with the subject and get as close as I can so my lens will do a 4 in aperature mode.  I normally configure the image myself but after reading this lesson, I figured out how to view the grid in my viewfinder.  Now I know to place the subject where the lines cross and set up points to compose a shot.  I also like showing some of the background when it is important to show where or what the subject is doing. 

 

 

This little girl was playing peek a boo with me and hiding behind her car.  I wanted to get her peeking through the car and seemed to time it just right with her big smile.  This image is not right on a point but I could "cheat" and crop it to do so.

This was a lucky shot!  This little girl was happened to be walking by with her candy bag and her eye is directly in the point.  She was close enough that I was able to set my aperature at 4.

I strategically placed my sons action figure this way to give him an empowered strong look.  I played with this one a bit and took shots with him more toward the right but decided on the left because it gives the appearance that he is leading an army or force.

I could've angled this flower better if I stood above it but didn't see that when I was taking the picture.  I wanted to give to affect of the flower to the lower right like it was blooming.

The men are the main focus of this pic but I also wanted to included their traditional Seneca instruments as they were singing.  I was a little disappointed that I didn't get them with their mouths opening and looking like they were singing. 

This little guy wouldn't quit with his power ranger moves, I moved a tad so I could get his arm at an angle rather than straight at me.  His fist is almost centered but his eyes are on point.

I took this of my niece about a month ago.  This might be breaking the rule of thirds but I love that she's leading into the picture.  I could crop to look so it fits in one of the points but I just love it the way it is.

I knew exactly what I wanted when I taking this and the mother and son were so cooperative.  I had to place her perfectly in the sun where there was no shade and bend down to put her to the right.  I was also able to get close enough to have low aperature.  This is one of my favorite pictures I think I've ever taken.  The mother was so happy with it.

I don't know why but it just felt natural to keep placing them to the right of the shot. 

I tried to work the camera the same way I did with the power ranger shot but I came a little out of focus.  Sometimes I have to accept what I can get out of two and three year olds but they are so much fun!