The rule of thirds is perhaps the most well known principle in photography. It is a princple that every photographer must learn - but it is also the first rule you will want to break in order to create creative photographs. But you must know and understand the rules and principles of photography before you can break them.
What is the Rule of Thirds?
Pretend to break an image down into thirds. Both horizontally and vertically so you come out with 9 parts.
Something like this:
This creates a grid in which you will compose your image. Now look at the four intersecintg points of the four lines.
These points are where you will consider putting points of interest in your photograph. Whether it is a person, animal, or a structure. You want your subject to be placed on the intersecting point of one or more of these.
The Theroy: By placing the point of interest in the intersections or along the lines your photo becomes more balanced and will enable the viewer of the image to interact with it more natrually. When people look at a photograph their eyes generlaly go to these four points. You want your photograph to lead the viewers eyes directly to the subject. You can do that by using the rule of thirds. now lets see some examples.
Here is an example of a senior portrait.
By placing her in the right half of the photograph I am allowing you to move through the image easier. It CAN work by placing people in the direct center of the image, but sometimes it creates an awkward image and can leave no room for the eyes to move.
Here is another example of using the rule of thirds using people and buildings.
I was able to put my subject (the guy reading on the porch) in the top left intersecting points. I was also able to use the wonderful lines throughout the Italian architecture to lead the viewers eyes from the subject, down the street, across the street, and then back down the street. (Photo taken in Siena, Italy)
Breaking the Rules: How does this photo work while breaking the rule? I was able to frame the entire image with the shadows of the building. This allows the viewer to see the subject right away in the direct center of the image. The shadows and lines of the buildings also work to point back to the subject. (photo taken in Venice, Italy)
Hope you enjoyed this note on the RULE OF THIRDS. Comment you thoughts, questions, and let me know if there is any other photography topic you want me to cover!
