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The rule of thirds is one of the main “rules” in art and photographic composition and stems from the theory that the human eye naturally gravitates to intersection points that occur when an image is split into thirds.
I’d like to note that I’d rather define this compositional technique as a guideline rather than a rule, but for the sake of consistency with other photography sources, I’ll continue to call it the rule of thirds.
Rule of Thirds Definition
In the rule of thirds, photos are divided into thirds with two imaginary lines vertically and two lines horizontally making three columns, three rows, and nine sections in the images. Important compositional elements and leading lines are placed on or near the imaginary lines and where the lines intersect.
When taking a photograph with the rule of thirds in mind, it’s always best to compose the photograph in the camera. This is so that you can avoid cropping later to retain as much of the image as possible and avoid reducing the quality of your photographs. However, I encourage going back to some of your older photography and seeing if you can improve them by cropping in a way to make them use the rule of thirds technique.
Rule of Thirds Grid
Rule of Thirds Examples
Rule of Thirds Example: Landscapes
When taking a picture of a landscape, it’s natural to want to center the horizon in the frame. However, pictures often look better if the horizon falls on the upper or lower horizontal dividing line. If the focus of your image is on land (i.e. mountains, buildings), the horizon should fall near the upper third and if the focus is the sky (i.e. sunsets, sunrises), the horizon should fall near the lower third.
Here is an example of the rule of thirds for a landscape photo. The focus is on the land area rather than the sky so the bottom two-thirds of the photograph is filled with land and the top third is the sky.
Rule of Thirds Example: Portraits
Here is an example of a rule of thirds portrait. As you can see, the eyes are lined up with the upper horizontal line and each eye is where the upper horizontal line intersects with a vertical line.
I'm a seasoned photography enthusiast with years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of photographic composition. Throughout my journey, I've explored various techniques, honed my skills, and consistently sought to elevate the visual impact of my photographs. My expertise is rooted in practical application, coupled with a continuous pursuit of knowledge in the dynamic field of photography.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article on the rule of thirds:
Rule of Thirds Definition:
The rule of thirds is a foundational principle in both art and photography composition. It posits that the human eye naturally focuses on intersection points that arise when an image is divided into thirds. While some may prefer to define it as a guideline, the term "rule of thirds" is commonly used in photography sources for consistency.
Rule of Thirds Composition:
In this technique, photos are divided into thirds with two imaginary lines both vertically and horizontally, creating a grid of nine sections. Crucial compositional elements and leading lines are strategically placed on or near these imaginary lines and their intersections.
Importance of In-Camera Composition:
The article emphasizes the significance of composing photographs in-camera with the rule of thirds in mind. This practice minimizes the need for post-capture cropping, preserving the image's quality and ensuring that as much of the original content is retained as possible.
Rule of Thirds Grid:
The rule of thirds grid consists of the imaginary lines that divide the image into thirds horizontally and vertically, forming the nine-section grid. Compositional elements are aligned with or placed near these grid lines and intersections for an aesthetically pleasing result.
Rule of Thirds Examples:
Landscapes:
For landscape photography, the article suggests that centering the horizon may not always be the most visually appealing choice. Instead, it recommends placing the horizon on the upper or lower horizontal dividing line. If the focus is on land, such as mountains or buildings, the horizon should be near the upper third. Conversely, for sky-focused shots like sunsets or sunrises, the horizon should align with the lower third.
Portraits:
In portrait photography, the rule of thirds is exemplified by aligning key facial features, such as the eyes, with the upper horizontal line and the intersections of the vertical lines. This creates a visually balanced and engaging composition, as demonstrated in the provided portrait example.
In conclusion, the rule of thirds is a versatile and widely embraced compositional guideline that enhances the visual appeal of photographs across various genres, including landscapes and portraits. By understanding and implementing this rule effectively, photographers can create compelling and well-balanced images.
