![IMG_5990.PNG](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmUZryVqEvXvZGXtFMA3YftdKWTTyyZjWQiThs55TBZvFZ/IMG_5990.PNG)

The original post "[3 Super Tips for Amazing Smartphone Photos for Posts](https://%22https//steemit.com/photography/@stewsak/3-super-tips-for-amazing-smartphone-photos-for-posts "This link will take you away from steemit.com")" can be found here:  
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## Applying the Rule of Thirds

During the golden hour, the sun is on its own time table and we are observers to it.  What I usually do is get in place a few minutes within the scheduled local sunset and play with where the sun may be in the upcoming minutes.  If it's on the fly and I have to take the picture that moment or the sun is gone; then I'll visualize where the sun or place it on one whole side of the rule of thirds.  Depending on your smartphone, you may have to play with it a few times and get used to the lighting during the golden hour.  The angles play a role because our smartphones don't have the same capabilities as a Nikon 7100 etc.  Practice each day and you'll find mastering the rule of thirds lead to an appreciation of the sun's reliability.  

![IMG_5988.PNG](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmStuF3fPstZy657TXqGMn1UjGvoN6VpH73VY2XBFhpVAC/IMG_5988.PNG)

This is one of my favorite images I took on Koh Chang in Thailand.  It's not the most flamboyant photo but the patience behind it taught me more appreciation for time and life.  I knew from forecasting the setting sun that I may not be able to play with the center line so I wanted to pin the sun in the lower right intersecting point.  The only doubt I had was the kayak was a distance away from the mark I wanted.  I wanted to yell to them, "row faster," but didn't want to dodge a punch if they ever remembered my face, LOL.  As it turned out, they kept pace and my estimate was right.  They got there in time for this priceless memory. 

![IMG_5991.PNG](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmfXL18qzpF4pufckfp35mDpC7mJrcPakM8TJwLLRNB5Cb/IMG_5991.PNG)

In every landscape photography and every golden photography photo I take, I always play with the center line.  I used the rule of thirds here to identify the point to insert my setting sun to one side.  In this case, it was the left side. I didn't put it directly into an intersecting point because I wanted the middle line just as much.  

![IMG_5992.PNG](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmNWj1D53iB2d3FmRkwBxfLc3VgaFC8eQbge1D28GKTrR9/IMG_5992.PNG)

I wanted to give an example, time-wise,  of when I prepare for a golden hour shot. This is probably 30 minutes before everything goes Super Saiyan and turns yellow-orange.  That beautiful amber reddish color sky is what I look forward to capturing.  It's also fair to say that over the years, I'm usually on tropical islands taking these golden hour shots so I'm familiar with the situation & setting (my practice).  For example, this shot was on Koh Chang and I had been in that spot for many sunsets so I already knew the 3 points I wanted the sun to be in for my rule of thirds shot.  Again, on landscape or golden hour photos, I like the centerline just as much.  Even though it's off the upper left intersecting point, for me it was close enough to keep the center line and work the rule of thirds in.

I hope some of my golden hour photography gives you ideas for your upcoming photos and posts. 

The original post "[3 Super Tips for Amazing Smartphone Photos for Posts](https://%22https//steemit.com/photography/@stewsak/3-super-tips-for-amazing-smartphone-photos-for-posts "This link will take you away from steemit.com")" can be found here:  
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