The rule of thirds is an important consideration.

Definition.

The rule of thirds states the necessity of placing the main subject matter at the intersection of the lines on a Tic-Tac-Toe type of grid.

Some digital cameras have a feature that will display this grid in the viewfinder if you choose to turn it on.

If your camera doesn’t have this feature, don’t worry. Just imagine the grid while you are composing the frame. It won’t take very much practice to become proficient at this.

When composing your photo using the rule of thirds place the main subject at the intersection of two of these lines. This puts the subject off center and helps to create more of an interest in the photo as a whole.

It invites the viewer to scan the complete photo, not just glance at it.

If your subject is a person don’t have them looking directly at the camera. Try having them look out of the frame.

This can add a little extra to the shot by helping to create an air of surprise or intrigue or even mystery.

When there is a pathway in the shot try positioning one of the intersections at or near the beginning of the path. If this isn’t practical then have the pathway crossing at least one of the intersections. Remember a pathway can be any type of dividing line, not just a walkway or road. A good example of this would be the shoreline of a body of water or the boarder between a snow field and rock formation.

Here’s a good example photo, titled ruleofthirds-beach.jpg.

When shooting a landscape with a dramatic sky, such as a great sunset, place the horizon along the lower horizontal line of the grid.

Allowing foreground in the lower 1/3 of the photo will give the shot a feeling of depth, while the upper 2/3 will showcase the dramatic sky.

If the foreground is more interesting place the horizon along the top horizontal line of the grid.

Once again this will display a depth to the photograph, while highlighting the more important foreground.

There may be times when you won’t be able to achieve the effect you want by using this rule.

It may be necessary to place the main subject close to an intersection instead of directly on it in order to achieve a balanced photo.

Don’t be afraid to break the rule if it interferes with what you have in mind.

As a matter of fact make sure you do break the rule. Take some shots and see what the effect is. You may come up with a photo that is more interesting.

In summary.

Follow the rule of thirds to make your photos more interesting or dramatic.

It will enable you to lead the viewer around the photo in the direction you would like them to go.

You will be able to add more dimensions to your photography.

Lastly be sure that you do break the rule as well. Don’t be a slave to any of the rules. They are there as guidelines only.

Express yourself and have a great time.

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