One of the basic lessons to learn in photography is the Rule of Thirds.
The Rule of Thirds is a composition technique that is a favorite among novice and professional photographers.
So what is this rule? Basically, the Rule of Thirds is an imaginary grid in your camera’s frame or viewer. Two lines, (2 vertical, and 2 horizontal) divide this grid into 9 equal parts.
According to this rule, the important element or elements of your photo should be placed along the intersecting lines of this imaginary grid. It is said that doing so makes the image more interesting and more dynamic. Others say that placing elements along this lines allow the eyes to naturally follow a “flow” in the image or photo.
Personally, I like to use the Rule of Thirds as much as possible, particularly as a way to highlight the main subject of my photo. For me, placing an element off-center and trying to contain it within the intersecting points makes the image better. The intersecting lines or points also draw the eyes of the viewer to the interesting elements.
Of course, it is up to the photographer to determine which elements should be in what key points or intersecting lines. Thus, the Rule of Third is not really a “rule” but more a guideline.
Thankfully, your typical DSLR camera or smartphone now allows you to activate or place these grid lines in the camera viewer if you wish to. This makes it easier for you to readily compose the picture.
The Rule of Thirds is directly in contrast to another very popular composition technique: placing your photos dead center. For me, both off-center and center positions are interesting, which means you can play around with the image or the elements that you want to highlight.
The Rule of Thirds also works well with almost all types of photography. It can be applied to landscape, portraiture, macro, etc.
So there. If you’re into photography, the Rule of Thirds is good composition technique that is readily at your disposal.
