Back to the Basics - Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a compositional rule of thumb in visual arts such as painting, photography and design.
The rule states that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections.
Proponents of the technique claim that aligning a subject with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the composition than simply centering the subject would.

The rule of thirds is applied by aligning a subject with the guide lines and their intersection points, placing the horizon on the top or bottom line, or allowing linear features in the image to flow from section to section. The main reason for observing the rule of thirds is to discourage placement of the subject at the center, or prevent a horizon from appearing to divide the picture in half.

When photographing or filming people, it is common to line the body up with a vertical line, and having the person's eyes in line with a horizontal one. If filming a moving subject, the same pattern is often followed, with the majority of the extra room being in front of the person (the way they are moving).

Thank you, I keep forgetting about the rule of thirds when I'm snapping away.

Thanks. I am slowly learning.

It helps to use "grid lines" when shooting a moving subject so that you don't forget this rule

Yes, some cameras come with a grid line that you can see in the view finder when you take the picture.

I'm w/ya on this. It gives a good balance... but dont let it limit your creativity. Rules are meant to be broken especialy w/art... As long as you can still make it look good and you like it, why not right?...

Karl Wertanen wrote: I'm w/ya on this. It gives a good balance... but dont let it limit your creativity. Rules are meant to be broken especialy w/art... As long as you can still make it look good and you like it, why not right?...

+1 The ROT is a good start of course, but you have to think if it's the best thing for that particular shot.

Stealthy Ninja wrote:

Karl Wertanen wrote: I'm w/ya on this. It gives a good balance... but dont let it limit your creativity. Rules are meant to be broken especialy w/art... As long as you can still make it look good and you like it, why not right?...

+1 The ROT is a good start of course, but you have to think if it's the best thing for that particular shot.

I agree. I think people should learn the rule of thirds first, then break them. I, myself have taken many shots that are outside the Rules.....all the rules. lol I lost count how many rules opps and laws that I broke just to get that one photo.

cwightmanphotos wrote:

Stealthy Ninja wrote:

Karl Wertanen wrote: I'm w/ya on this. It gives a good balance... but dont let it limit your creativity. Rules are meant to be broken especialy w/art... As long as you can still make it look good and you like it, why not right?...

+1 The ROT is a good start of course, but you have to think if it's the best thing for that particular shot.

I agree. I think people should learn the rule of thirds first, then break them. I, myself have taken many shots that are outside the Rules.....all the rules. lol I lost count how many rules opps and laws that I broke just to get that one photo.

LOL I'm guessing trespassing at least.

Stealthy Ninja wrote:

cwightmanphotos wrote:

Stealthy Ninja wrote:

Karl Wertanen wrote: I'm w/ya on this. It gives a good balance... but dont let it limit your creativity. Rules are meant to be broken especialy w/art... As long as you can still make it look good and you like it, why not right?...

+1 The ROT is a good start of course, but you have to think if it's the best thing for that particular shot.

I agree. I think people should learn the rule of thirds first, then break them. I, myself have taken many shots that are outside the Rules.....all the rules. lol I lost count how many rules opps and laws that I broke just to get that one photo.

LOL I'm guessing trespassing at least.

Yes, nothing too bad, I try my best to be a good girl, but sometimes you have to go behind the enemy lines to get the shot.