Rule of thirds in photography is the most commonly used guide in composing a picture. It is not only easy to master but also makes your pictures look more stunning.
Whether you are using a DSLR or a smartphone, you have come across a feature known as the grid lines. This will be your best friend as a beginner if you want to separate yourself from “boring” photographers.
As a photography beginner, understanding the rule of thirds will form a strong foundation for your career.
Lucky for you, Tech vaile will get you through what the rule of thirds is, it’s importance and when to break this rule.
Lets dive right in.
What is The Rule Of Thirds in Photography?
The rule of thirds in photography composition is a principle which breaks an image into nine equal parts using two vertical and two horizontal lines. The rule suggests that pictures look more appealing when the focal points of the image fall along the two vertical or horizontal lines.
If your focal point is tiny compared to the rest of the frame, the rule of thirds suggests you should place it where the two horizontal and vertical grid lines intersect.
When taking landscape pictures the horizon should be along one of the horizontal gridlines. If the foreground is more interesting then the horizon should be on the top grid line and if the sky is more interesting then the horizon should be on the lower line.
When you are framing a tower, the rule of thirds suggests placing it along with the vertical grid lines. This will make it more interesting compared to the boring center frame.
I personally recommend placing the tower along the right vertical line to capture more attention.
If there are two towers then frame the picture so that each is placed along the two vertical lines.
When taking photos of moving subjects, there should be more space towards where the subject is moving.
What is the Importance Of Using The Rule of Thirds in Photography?
Understanding the use of the rule of thirds is the best technique you can bank as a photographer.
For one, it will help you in improving composition and balance in your pictures. This means that your photos will relatively look better than when the subject is placed in the middle of the frame.
Using the rule of thirds will also help draw the viewer’s attention into the intended focal points. When this rule is applied in composition, the viewer will directly tell what the photographer was trying to communicate. Remember the photographer must work hard to compose a picture which the viewer will easily understand.
When Can You Break The Rule Of Thirds in Photography Composition?
The rule of thirds is a good idea you should have on your fingertips as a beginner photographer. However, you should perceive it as a guide in photography composition and not a do or die scenario.
That being said, a quick answer is yes. On some occasions you will need to break the rule of thirds.
For instance, when taking pictures of symmetrical objects, you will have to ignore the rule of thirds. This is because placing the subject in the center highlights the patterns in a way the rule of thirds does not.
Portrait photographers tend to break the rule of thirds and on most occasions the pictures are quite stunning.
The eye is said to track from left to right. Sometimes you can place your focal point to the far left and let the eye naturally follow through the image to the right. When the entire scene is interesting, you frame the focal point to a corner to bring the highlight.
However, when taking this kind of pictures remember to leave a “breathing room” for your subjects. Otherwise placing the subject too close to the edge may seem as if they are unintentional or cropped.
This video by Camber Motion may help you understand the rule of thirds better:
Conclusion on The Rule of Thirds
Understanding the rule of thirds in photography composition does not mean you must always apply it every time. The rules in composition of photography should be perceived as guidelines which will up your game in taking pictures.
Given that there are many techniques in photography composition, you will sometimes break one rule to compensate with another.
This means that the rules should not be ignored and breaking them should be intentional for a better option.
Having that in mind, grab your camera and head outside and experiment with your camera!
