The Rule of thirds - Difficulty Level One out of Five

The rule of thirds is a digital photography technique that is based on composition, and the desire to create an interesting photograph that is pleasing to the human eye, and at the same time 'feels' balanced.

It's based on the idea that putting an object or point of interest in one of the thirds area, either on the points or following the lines, will make it much more interesting.

To be honest, mostly it is actually the case.

No matter which way up a picture, portrait (lengthways) or landscape (horizontal), the four lined grid stays the same.

More or less equally divided across the plane of view, the rule states that where a landscape shot is the subject, then you should make sure that the sky only takes up approximately the top third of the grid (see below).

The land then makes up the majority of the images' interest in the bottom two thirds.

This seeming rule can be flipped on its head though, where the sky is looking particularly interesting for whatever reason, color, contrast or weather effects to name but a few of the possibilities; Then the ground takes up one third and the sky two thirds.

The Rule of Thirds With Other Subject Matter

Where this composition rule is being applied to an object/animal/person, then the main focus of the grid is supposed to be on one of the four points as seen below (or the length of one of the lines).

If you're taking a portrait picture however, then where the shot is fairly close make sure one of the eyes is dominating one of the points. Put two eyes in two points though, and it may look flat or fairly dull.

Remember, this is a rule that works fairly well on the majority of occasions, but not all occasions. I can think of quite a few shots that totally smash this rule. It's at best a beginning framework of composition in digital photography.

if your already familiar with it, and have used it before, then you probably need to try something new, but even if you've had years of photography experience and not used the rule of thirds before I suggest you give it a try as some of the results can be very positive.

Breaking The Rule of Thirds

You'll also see that when I took this photo I also added a bit of camera tilt to spice it up a touch. Further more I'd like to point out, it actually is in 'a third' section of the grid.

I call this my 'Rule of One Ninth', which is what you're supposed to be avoiding to be honest, so ignoring me on this would probably be best for the moment.

Further Rule of Thirds Digital Photography Tips

• Take two sets of pictures of the same image, one using the rule of thirds and one not. Then ask your friends or family which one they think is best. It's a useful experiment to see that this rule really does work.

• Try one subject in the various four points and also alter the angle and/or range to make it more interesting. I always say even the dullest of images can be made interesting with a bit of angle.

• Now break the composition rule by finding an image so interesting and eye-catching that you can place it slap bang in the middle of the 'no-no' spot. Done it? Good, James Dean would be proud of you, you photography rebel.