The “Rule of Thirds” is a guideline on how to compose your image in a generally accepted and appealing way. This isn’t a newly made up rule, in fact artists have been using this and other guidelines to help them design their works for quite some time. Once you’re aware of this “rule”, it’s fun to revisit certain classic paintings to see how artists intentionally composed their work. Take a look at the grid / image below and let’s get down to the basics.
It’s pretty simple: take your image and divide it up like a “tic tac toe” board, four lines to make nine equal squares / rectangles. As you compose your image (either in-camera or afterwards during editing), place key features on one of the lines or better yet at one of the four intersecting “power-points”. A common, unintentional mistake made by beginning photographers is placing the subject right smack in the middle of the frame. Although this might work for certain compositions, in general you can significantly improve the dynamics and “interestingness” of most images by simply making some adjustments along these lines. Take a look at some of the samples below. Click on any image for a larger view.
Here’s a tip: If your image has interesting ground elements and your sky is boring, then move the horizon line up to the upper guideline. If your ground is boring and your sky has some elements of interest in it, then move your horizon line to the bottom guideline. If both your ground and your sky are boring … maybe you should think about making a different picture? 🙂
Another tip: If you place an object (person, animal, car etc.) in the frame on one of the “power-points”, make sure they are facing “into” the frame. Having your subject on the edge of a frame looking out leaves your viewer with a slightly unsettled feeling of wondering what is going on outside the frame and what they might be missing (unless of course that is the look you’re going for).
Note: Although you can adjust your composition to the rule of thirds at home, on your computer, AFTER you’ve taken the shot, it’s often better to keep this in mind WHILE you’re taking the shot and here’s why: You’ll not only save time processing, you’ll know how the image will be composed and most importantly you won’t have to crop out some parts of the image in order to adjust to the rule of thirds. Be intentional about it. If you’re not sure at the time you’re taking the picture, here’s a tip: take more than one picture and compose differently each time. Put the horizon on the upper line, then the lower line. Put the main subject in the upper left hand power point, then the lower right hand. Pixels are cheap and you can make some choices when you get home when you see which composition best suits the image.
Remember, the “rule” of thirds is just a guideline, you can certainly create dynamic and interesting photos that break photographic “rules”. By the way, in addition to the rule of thirds, there are many other conventions and guidelines that could also help you compose your shot: the Fibonacci spiral, leading lines, the use of diagonals, the use of color … the list goes on. The important thing is that you are aware of these guidelines, apply them when appropriate and disregard them when it suits the image. What you want to avoid is unintentionally composing your image in a non appealing way. Make sure you’re exposing your photo correctly and you should be good to go!
Your assignment: Go and make some photos using the Rule of Thirds. Post them and send me a link or you can send them directly to me at: pocketlenses@gmail.com
Great points! I had heard of the rule of thirds and sometimes tried to use it when I remembered. You really helped me understand how to use the rule. I never really used or understood the power points. I am just about to take a long overseas trip and this tip will help a lot. Based on your tip, I just turned on the grids option on my camera to help me remember to use this rule.
I have always used the rule of thirds since my photography class in middle school a few decades ago. However, your article took it a few steps further by explaining the power of points (which I had never used before) as a great tool to make my photographs even better! Thanks
Great article, I had been trying to use the guides on my camera phone since I had heard of the rule of thirds. Unfortunately all I could remember is to not put the subject dead center. This article is easy to understand, I will try to get some shots the next time I am out geocaching and send them in for a critique. 🙂
Great article. Gotta love the 3rds!
Excellent, everybody needs to know that there is something called, good composition. The rule of 3rds is simple and so practical to get good composition. Love the tips and examples. Although most of us shoot landscapes on vacation, etc, it would be good to have some people shots too in the rule of 3rds examples. Like, how do you shoot a good pic of your kids birthday party when there are parents and kids all over the place? Keep the good tips coming 🙂
Great point about the subject looking into instead of outside the picture. I often struggle with following the rule but then being zoomed out too far. Any tips other than to get closer (sometimes you just can’t)?
Rule of 3 reds is a great guideline for composition. Thanks for sharing this idea.
It is and SO EASY to learn and put into practice!
Rule of thirds is a great guideline for composition. Thanks for sharing this idea.