Let’s face it, when it comes to using pictures in a presentation, some photos are better than others. Ever notice how some images catch the eye while others inspire boredom? This is due to the composition of the picture and depending on what the photographer was trying to do, it can mean the difference between drab and dynamic images. But what’s that you say? You’ve never taken a photography class? Well, that’s fine, as long as you keep one thing in your head when you’re looking for great images – the theme song from the Brady Bunch.
Here’s the story…
No, it’s not that you should look for pictures that are as saccharine sweet as Cindy and her older siblings, instead you should consider the 3×3 grid that the Bradys and their housekeeper Alice make up. You see, there’s this rule called “The Rule of Thirds” to keep in mind when looking for a dynamic photo. The way it works is you take any given picture and superimpose the Bradys over it. If the focus of your photo is where Alice is, then it’s not as interesting (because let’s face it, nobody likes Alice.) Instead the focus should be where the lines from the 3×3 grid connect to one another. Not in the boxes with the family, but where they meet up. As long as you’ve got something of interest in passing through of these four locations, the picture is sure to catch the eye. You know how at the end of the song they show the “Brady Bunch” logo in the middle? Notice how it jumps out at you, breaking down the barriers between all four of those meeting points? It gets your attention because it’s a perfect example of the rule of thirds in action.
Apply what you’ve learned
Just because you’re not a photographer doesn’t mean you’re not a slave to the rule of thirds as well. When making a presentation slide, the placement of an image is just as important as its quality. Your slide should be divided into the 3×3 grid as well and images and text placed accordingly. Nobody will notice dynamic your picture is if you’ve stuck it in Alice’s square. Get to YouTube and watch “The Brady Bunch” theme song; it’s the best example of the rule of thirds you’ll ever find. And then when preparing slides or looking for photos, hum the first bars before making any commitments.
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