"Why is the Rule of Thirds so hard to understand and put into practice", asked one of my students recently. In theory, the Rules of Thirds should be easy to understand, yet concentrating on this can take the fun out of photography. Ultimately, applying this composition rule should become second nature, like the difference between learning a golf swing and playing the game effectively. A pro's golf swing (or a photographers composition) becomes natural, intuitive - and results are an enjoyable experience.
We will try and make taking a good picture, composing a photograph easier to understand. First, what is this Rule of Thirds?
According to Wikipedia:
"The guideline proposes 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."
Since we are speaking about photography, a visual example will help explain how to create a balanced composed photography.
First, to set a foundation, generally my digital photo story has two parts. The main subject, as in the student above - and a second complimentary subject. In this case, the red sculpure near Wall Street. By leveraging the rule of thirds, and placing my student on the left side of the image - there are only two components to my story. If I had placed him in the middle, the audience would be forced to view the left side and the right side - not knowing my intention.
How can you apply this rule?
Through the viewfinder, place the main subject along one of the cross-lines and/or at one of the intersections. Eyes are the first thing that will be seen by the viewer of your photograph. This applies to people and pets and wildlife. The goal should be to place the subject's eyes at an intersection or along one of the lines, as in this example.
For horizons, landscapes and city-scapes:
Placing the horizons in photographs of landscapes or skylines should be placed at the top or bottom 1/3rd cross-line. In this instance, we have the mountain range (Red Rock Canyon outside Las Vegas), as our main subject - so what is our intended second component?
Once again, the following two photographs will help illustrate this concept.
Top 1/3rd cross-line:
In this photo, I wanted to show the foreground desert area leading up the mountains.
Bottom 1/3rd cross-line:
In this example, however, I wanted to relate the massive storm clouds over the mountain. The foreground, in this case, does not add to my digital story, so it is excluded by placing the mountain at the bottom third line.
Keep it simple: During the process of learning the Rule of Thirds, try not to center your main subject - consider moving your subject up or down, left or right. This simple step will help you to quickly begin to see the difference in your pictures. It takes practice; take a few different photos of your subject, moving your main subject into different areas of your viewfinder. Study the differences on your computer and share with friends to see which one appears balanced and pleasing.
Once you master this composition rule, you can break it to create different moods or add a strong drama to your photographs. Similar to the professional golfer that changes their grip for a tricky shot, so can the photographer change their composition for a dramatic affect. However; learn the rule and make it as second nature as possible first and then you will have taken your photography to a higher creative level.
We provide hands on instruction of the rule of thirds in out NJ Photography Classes.
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