In Photography what is the rule of thirds?

Answer 1

It's the theory that pictures are more asthetically pleasing if the focus of the image is not in the centre but off to one side.

If you draw vertical and horizontal lines through a picture a third of the way in from the sides then placing the main point of interest on these lines will make the image more interesting.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

The rule states that an image can be divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines. The four points formed by the intersections of these lines can be used to align features in the photograph. Proponents of this technique claim that aligning a photograph with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the photo than simply centering the feature would.

The photograph to the right demonstrates the application of the rule of thirds. The horizon sits at the horizontal line dividing the lower third of the photo from the upper two-thirds. The tree sits at the intersection of two lines, sometimes called a power point. Points of interest in the photo don't have to actually touch one of these lines to take advantage of the rule of thirds. For example, the brightest part of the sky near the horizon where the sun recently set does not fall directly on one of the lines, but does fall near the intersection of two of the lines, close enough to take advantage of the rule.

The application of the rule of thirds to photographs is considered by many to make them more aesthetically pleasing and professional-looking. The rule of thirds can be applied by lining up subjects with the guiding lines, placing the horizon on the top or bottom line instead of the center, or allowing linear features in the photograph to flow from section to section. In addition, many photographers recommend treating any "rule" of composition as more of a guideline, since pleasing photographs can often be made while ignoring one or more such rules

Answer 4

Think of the final print. If you are taking a landscape shot - divide the scene into three sections - sky, horizon and foreground. Each should be equal.....a photo with 2/3rds sky and 1/3rd horizon and foreground is not the best. As well as splitting the picture horizontally you can make the third vertically. The centre 1/3rd would be the main focus of the photo. don't have your subject way off to the left or the right of the photo with background taking up the rest of the shot.

Sorry if this is a clumsy description but I hope it helps.

Answer 5

Hi Roy N

The easiest way to explain this is to imagine a noughts&crosses grid within the viewfinder. on each f the four pints where two lines meet are points of compositional 'power' so to speak. if you centre your subject on one of these crossed lines points it will allow the viewer not to straight away settle on the focus of the picture, but to let their eye wander over the picture and take in far more detail than the single object that is the subject.

Look here: http://www.silverlight.co.uk/tutorials/compose_expose/thirds.html for a very handy guide to this trick.

Be careful though - don't let this one rule guide all of your pictures, or they will start to appear samely and predictive... Use your imagination and play with composition - digital cameras now allow many people to shoot away with their hearts content with no great cost of developing to worry about, just to see those experiments!

PS - a lot of digital cameras now have a 'rule of thirds' grid built into the camera - if you are lucky enough to have a digital camera then have a look in the manual to see if yours has one!

Answer 6

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Answer 7

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Answer 8

Simply put if your divide the scene you see through the view finder in 1/3's . you want to put the main point of interest in one of the areas created by this dividing up of the scene. Your main point of interest (person, building etc) should never be exact center but off set left,right , up,down - depending on what you want to convey.But watch your focus. Some cameras will automatically focus on what is in the center only. You may have to lock focus on your object then re-compose the picture.

Answer 9

rule of thirds is about using asymetrical balance in your photographs. for example, a great way to learn rule of thirds is by imagineing a # placed overtop of entire photo. where the lines cross in the # is where the subject should be.

Answer 10

divide your viewfinder into an even 3x3 grid and keep the subject in one of the sides. Also for subjects with a definite focal point (e.g eyes on a person), place the focal point on one of the intersections of the grid. Generally it just breaks the common practice of placing everything in the center.