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[[File:DM Diagonal method.svg|thumb|180px|right|Diagonal Method]]
The '''Diagonal Methodmethod''' (DM) is a [[rule of thumb]] in [[photography]], [[painting]] and [[drawing]]. Dutch photographer and lecturer Edwin Westhoff discovered the method when, after having long taught the rule of thirds in photography courses, he conducted visual experiments to investigate why this [[rule of thirds]] only loosely prescribes that points of interest should be placed more or less near the intersection of lines, rather than being rigid and demanding placement to be precisely on these intersections. Having studied many photographs, paintings and etchings, he discovered that details of interest were often placed precisely on the [[diagonals]] of a [[square (geometry)|square]], instead of any "strong points" that the rule of thirds or the photographic adaptation of the [[golden ratio]] suggests. A photograph is usually a rectangular shape with a ratio of 4:3 or 3:2, in which case one should look at the [[bisection]] of each corner. Manually placing certain elements of interest on these lines results in a more pleasing photograph.<ref>Hartel, M. (2008). Urban expression. Digital Photographer, 74 (September), 30–42.</ref>
== Theory ==
== Application ==
The DMdiagonal method was derived from an analysis of how artists intuitively locate details within a composition, and can be used for such analyses. Westhoff discovered that by drawing lines with an angle of 45 degrees from the corners of an image, one can find out which details the artist (deliberately or unconsciously) intended to emphasize. Artists and photographers intuitively place areas of interest within a composition. The DM can assist in determining, which details the artist has wanted to highlight. Research by Westhoff has resulted in the finding that important details on paintings and on etchings of [[Rembrandt]], such as eyes, hands or utilities, were placed exactly on the diagonals.{{cn|date=October 2014}}
It is very difficult to consciously place points of attention precisely on the diagonals during the making of photos or artworks, yet it is possible to do this in post-production using guidelines.<ref>Westhoff, E. (2007). De Diagonaal Methode. (The Diagonal Method.) FocusXtra 2007(Februari), 18-19.</ref> For instance, the DM can be applied to move the subject of a picture further into a corner.<ref>Elzenga, J. W. (2009). Digitale fotografie natuur: Tips en technieken voor het fotograferen van landschap en dieren. (Digital photography in nature: Tips and techniques for photographing landscapes and animals.) Amsterdam: Pearson Education. Pp. 47-49.</ref>
The DM can only be applied on images where certain details are supposed to be emphasized or exaggerated, such as a [[portrait]] in which a specific body part deserves extra attention by the viewer, or a photograph for advertising a [[Product (business)|product]]. Photographs of [[landscapes]] and [[architecture]] usually rely on the composition as a whole, or have lines other than the bisections to determine the composition, such as the horizon.<ref>Elzenga, J. W. (2009). Digitale fotografie natuur: Tips en technieken voor het fotograferen van landschap en dieren. (Digital photography in nature: Tips and techniques for photographing landscapes and animals.) Amsterdam: Pearson Education. P. 49.</ref> Only if the picture includes details such as persons, (standalone) trees, or [[buildings]] is the DM applicable.{{cn|date=October 2014}}
== References ==
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