def: a photography technique where the photo is divided into thirds and subjects are placed at the intersection of the lines, or “sweet spots,” which allows the eye to take in the entire scene. Technique:
- To begin using the rule of thirds, break the image down into thirds horizontally and vertically so it has nine parts. This gives you four intersections, which become the focal points of your photos to put points of interest. This division also give you four lines that serve as useful positions for elements in photos. These third divisions are represented on all the photos on this page by the 4 red lines.
- Theory says that if you put the points of interest at the intersections of the lines it balances the photo and enables the viewer to interact with the photo more naturally. Studies show that a person’s eye goes from intersection point to intersection point, not directly to the center.
- Placing horizons along horizontal lines is better for photography, because placing horizons in the center confuses the viewer. (Top right and middle right photos both have horizons on the horizontal lines).
- With portraits, placing the subject on a vertical line, like in the photo on the bottom right, is more appealing than placing the subject in the center.
- However, breaking the rule of thirds can also create an interesting composition. It is best when there is nothing else in the photo to compete with the subject and there is a strong balance, with symmetry on both sides of the scene and the subject in the center.
- The rule of thirds also creates bottom weighted photos and top weighted photos, depending on where the horizon is placed. Placing it at the top line creates a bottom heavy photo, like the top right photo, and placing it at the bottom creates a top heavy photo like the middle right photo.
- The rule of thirds is best used when the photographer thinks about it while taking the photo, getting used to visualizing the grid and the points of intersection.
- To begin using the rule of thirds, break the image down into thirds horizontally and vertically so it has nine parts. This gives you four intersections, which become the focal points of your photos to put points of interest. This division also give you four lines that serve as useful positions for elements in photos. These third divisions are represented on all the photos on this page by the 4 red lines.
- Theory says that if you put the points of interest at the intersections of the lines it balances the photo and enables the viewer to interact with the photo more naturally. Studies show that a person’s eye goes from intersection point to intersection point, not directly to the center.
- Placing horizons along horizontal lines is better for photography, because placing horizons in the center confuses the viewer. (Top right and middle right photos both have horizons on the horizontal lines).
- With portraits, placing the subject on a vertical line, like in the photo on the bottom right, is more appealing than placing the subject in the center.
- However, breaking the rule of thirds can also create an interesting composition. It is best when there is nothing else in the photo to compete with the subject and there is a strong balance, with symmetry on both sides of the scene and the subject in the center.
- The rule of thirds also creates bottom weighted photos and top weighted photos, depending on where the horizon is placed. Placing it at the top line creates a bottom heavy photo, like the top right photo, and placing it at the bottom creates a top heavy photo like the middle right photo.
- The rule of thirds is best used when the photographer thinks about it while taking the photo, getting used to visualizing the grid and the points of intersection.
The first photo on the top of the page ("Oia Cliff") applies the rule of thirds because 1) the horizon of the ocean is on the top line and the sky represents the top three thirds of the photo. 2) The edge of the cliff is hitting the bottom left intersection point and the cliff stays below the top line, making it a pleasing composition to the eye rather than if the cliff would have been surrounded by symmetrical ocean or placed farther over.
The photos directly below ("Twin Bell Towers" and "Tri-Bell Tower") represent examples of similar subject matter taken obeying the rule of thirds and disregarding it intentionally.
- "Twin Bell Towers" uses the rule of thirds in that the top corner of the right bell tower is at an intersection and the left tower is at an intersection. Also the horizon is on a horizonal line.
- "Tri-Bell Tower" has some interesting features of the tower at the interestction points but disobeys the rule by placing the tower directly in the center of the photo.
Both photos are interesting compositionally, and show that while the rule of thirds does add to a photo, sometimes disobeying it can be helpful.
citations:
Rowse, D. Rule of Thirds. Retrieved from http://www.digital-pho- tography-school.com/rule-of-thirds
Photo Gallery: Breaking the Rules. Retrieved from http://photogra- phy.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photo-tips/breaking-the- rules/
Rowse, D. Rule of Thirds. Retrieved from http://www.digital-pho- tography-school.com/rule-of-thirds
Photo Gallery: Breaking the Rules. Retrieved from http://photogra- phy.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photo-tips/breaking-the- rules/
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