Objective: To practice applying the rule of thirds in videography by capturing various shots using this composition technique.

Materials: - Video camera or smartphone with video recording capabilities - Tripod (optional) - Various subjects or scenes to film (e.g., people, landscapes, objects)

Instructions:

1. Introduction:
   • Begin the activity by explaining the concept of the rule of thirds to the students. Emphasize that it is a composition guideline used in visual arts, including videography, to create visually appealing and balanced shots.
   • Explain that the rule of thirds divides the frame into a grid of nine equal parts by placing two horizontal and two vertical lines. The points where these lines intersect are called the “power points” or “points of interest.”
   • Discuss how placing the main subject or important elements along these lines or at the intersections can create a more visually pleasing composition.
2. Demonstration:
   • Show examples of videos or film clips that effectively use the rule of thirds. Analyze how the placement of subjects or elements enhances the overall composition and visual impact.
   • Point out how the rule of thirds can be applied to different types of shots, such as close-ups, medium shots, and wide shots.
3. Practice:
   • Divide the students into pairs or small groups.
   • Provide each group with a video camera or smartphone and ask them to find a suitable location for filming.
   • Instruct the students to take turns being the videographer and subject.
   • Assign each group a specific subject or scene to film (e.g., a person walking, a landscape, an object).
   • Encourage the students to experiment with different angles, distances, and compositions while keeping the rule of thirds in mind.
   • Remind them to pay attention to the placement of the subject or important elements along the gridlines or at the intersections.
4. Review and Discussion:
   • After the filming session, gather the students together and review the footage captured by each group.
   • Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each shot in terms of composition and the application of the rule of thirds.
   • Encourage constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement.
   • Highlight the shots that effectively applied the rule of thirds and discuss why they were successful.
5. Extension Activity (optional):
   • Challenge the students to create a short video montage using the footage they captured during the activity.
   • Instruct them to edit the footage, paying attention to the composition and the rule of thirds.
   • Screen the final videos in class and have a discussion about the impact of composition on the overall visual storytelling.

Note: If a tripod is available, encourage students to use it to stabilize their shots and have more control over composition.