The Rule Of Thirds Explained

The rule of thirds is one of the most fundamental principles of photography composition. It is a guideline that suggests placing the subject of a photo on one of the intersections of a grid of nine equal parts, which is created by dividing the image into three columns and three rows. This composition technique is used by photographers to create visually pleasing and balanced images. 

The origins of the rule of thirds can be traced back to the Renaissance era when artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo used this composition technique to create a sense of balance and harmony in their paintings. The principle is based on the idea that the human eye is naturally drawn to the intersection of lines, and by placing the subject of a photo on one of these intersections, the image becomes more visually appealing. 

The rule of thirds can be applied to any type of photography, from landscape to portrait, and it is particularly useful when the subject of the photo is not centred. By placing the subject off-centre, the image becomes more dynamic and interesting. For example, in a landscape photo, placing the horizon on one of the horizontal lines of the grid will create a sense of balance between the sky and the land. Similarly, in a portrait photo, placing the subject’s eyes on one of the vertical lines of the grid will create a sense of balance between the subject’s face and the background. 

However, it’s important to note that the rule of thirds is not a hard and fast rule that must always be followed. Sometimes, breaking the rule can create more interesting and unique images. For example, placing the subject in the centre of the frame can create a sense of symmetry and formality. 

The rule of thirds can be easily applied using the gridlines on the viewfinder or LCD screen of most digital cameras. Many cameras also have a built-in rule of thirds grid that can be turned on in the menu. This can be a helpful tool for novice photographers who are learning to compose their shots. 

The rule of thirds can be applied to various elements in a photo, such as lines, shapes and patterns. For example, in a landscape photo, placing a river or road on one of the horizontal lines of the grid can create a sense of movement and direction in the image. Similarly, in a portrait photo, placing a subject’s head on one of the vertical lines of the grid can create a sense of balance between the subject’s face and the background. 

Another way to apply the rule of thirds is to use it to create a sense of depth in a photo. For example, in a landscape photo, placing a foreground element on one of the bottom horizontal lines of the grid and a background element on one of the top horizontal lines of the grid can create a sense of depth and perspective in the image.

In conclusion, the rule of thirds is a fundamental principle of photography composition that can be used to create visually pleasing and balanced images. By placing the subject of a photo on one of the intersections of a grid of nine equal parts, the image becomes more dynamic and interesting. However, it’s important to remember that sometimes breaking the rule can create more interesting and unique images.