#rules of third

The Rules Of Third:

The center of any photograph is not always a satisfying resting place for the eye. Artists, designers, and photographers have learned to follow the helpful concept known as the “rule of thirds.”

The Rule of Thirds is a common compositional technique that divides your frame into an equal, three-by-three grid with two horizontal lines and two vertical lines that intersect at four points. The Rule of Thirds places your subject on the left-third or right-third of the frame, creating a pleasing composition. Each intersection point is a potential point of interest; align your main subject along with other elements of the frame along these points to create a balanced, or visually interesting, image.

The Rules of Third Technique has the camera’s viewing screen etched with four grid lines (as in the photo below), resembling a tic-tac-toe game. As you look through the viewfinder at a scene, place the subject at one of the imaginary grid intersection points, often called a “sweet spot.” This gives the image an overall dynamic balance. You can also place a center of interest and a counterpoint at opposing intersections. Balance the composition so that both sides are pleasing but not of equal size, shape, or color. A small area of vivid color in one part of the picture will balance a larger area of less intense hue. A small animal will balance a large inanimate object. It will usually be clear which intersection is best, because whatever else is in the frame will either strengthen or detract from the image.

Since no human face is perfectly symmetrical anyway, apply the Rule of Thirds for interesting portraiture:

1. Align your subject’s right or left eye on one of the upper two intersection points.

2. Align your subject’s shoulders along the lower-third grid line, giving the subject a natural and relaxed appearance.

3. Draw your viewer into the portrait by subtly angling your subject toward the other empty quadrants in the grid.

If you’re shooting a horizontal image for print photography, you want to make sure that there’s no critical information in the middle of the image (which is yet another reason to use the Rule of Thirds when composing your photos).

Remember that the rule of thirds—either the point or zone methods—is just one tool photographers use in the greater scheme of composition. Use it and be aware of the position of your subjects in each photograph, but do not be overly concerned about following it exactly. It is merely a guide to help you compose visually pleasing images and not necessarily a hard and fast rule.