What is the rule of thirds in photography?
The rule of thirds is created when the frame of a picture is divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically. In the example above, you can see four intersection points, along with guiding lines that can be used when photographing horizon lines or vertical structures, among other things. The purpose of using the rule of thirds when taking pictures is to pull the viewer into the picture. When the subject is placed at one of the intersection points, the view’s eye will naturally rest there. This is especially true for the top left intersection point. The rule of thirds also crates balance and visual interest when used correctly. I will use the photo above as an example to explain how to use the rule of thirds purposefully. The foreground and background of the photo meet at the bottom horizontal line. This feature is pleasing to the eye and adds balance. The main subject is the puppy, which is along the furthest right vertical line, while also touching both the top and bottom right intersection points. If you were, for example, taking a picture of the sunrise, you could have the horizon line meet at the bottom horizontal line for visual attractiveness. The sun could be centered around the bottom left intersection point. This would be following the rule of thirds.
Examples
I believe this picture could follow the rule of thirds better if the picture was zoomed out a bit more and the sailboat page centered around the upper left intersection.
I believe this picture follows the rule of thirds because the fire is running along the vertical right line. Also, the horizon line is faded, but it runs close to the bottom horizon line.
I believe this picture follows the rule of thirds because the goalie in the picture is around the bottom intersection point. It’s not the best placement, but still good.
I believe this picture follows the rule of thirds because the horizon line runs along the bottom horizon line.
I believe this picture could do a better job of following the rule of thirds because of the direct sunlight taking some of the focus off of the disco ball. Aside from that, the dashboard and the disco ball are both at important parts of the rule of thirds.
I believe this picture follows the rule of thirds because the horizon line runs along the bottom horizontal line of the rule of thirds.
I believe this picture could do a better job of following the rule of thirds because of the very small moon and the large, up-front, chicken houses. I think it does have potential though.
I believe this picture follows the rule of thirds because of the tree running along the left vertical third line.
I believe this picture follows the rule of thirds because the moon is very close to the top left intersection point and the tree on the right is very close to the right vertical line. I think this picture could have been better executed.
I believe this picture follows the rule of thirds because the moon is placed at the top right intersection point and the trees at the bottom are running along the bottom third line.
I believe this picture could do a better job of following the rule of thirds because the moon isn’t quite at the top left intersection point. I do like the picture though.
A Favorite
I love this photograph. The geese are located at an eye catching point. They stand out against the bright blue sky. The picture is simplistic, but beautiful.