What is the Rule of Thirds?
The Rule of Thirds is a basic composition guideline in photography. It plays on the natural tendency for our eyes to be drawn towards certain parts of an image.
Imagine a tic tac toe board. Now imagine that tic tac toe board sitting on top of your picture. The four lines of a tic tac toe game break the image up into nine equal parts. The four points where the lines intersect are the strongest focal points.
How and when do I use the Rule of Thirds?
The rule of thirds can be applied to any photograph. It is not a set-in-stone, you MUST DO THIS type of rule, but a general guideline that will enhance the aesthetic quality of your pictures. The fact is that the average person tends to center all their subjects in photos, but that is rarely the most interesting way to compose a shot. See the following example of me and CandyMan:
Here’s the way most people would frame a shot of a couple (special thanks to my sister for taking this picture of us–centered–just because my husband insisted on it)…..
My sister and I convinced my husband that an off-center photo of us would look even better. He didn’t believe us until he saw the image later. Now he wants it framed.
It doesn’t matter which line or intersection you use, but some lines/points will have a stronger effect than others. Where you place your subject also adds to the “story” that it tells or the mood that it conveys. Placing your subject on the opposite line of the direction he or she is facing or moving towards is usually preferred, as illustrated in this photo. The boys are moving towards the left side of the frame, so I placed them on the right grid line.
Where do I find it?
Unlike most Bloggography tutorials, there is no simple guide to finding this on your camera. And I don’t recommend drawing the tic tac toe grid on your viewfinder to help you remember. This is one of those things that you simply have to internalize. Simply image that grid on all of your images as you compose each shot through your viewfinder.
Here are a few examples of recent pictures I’ve taken using the rule of thirds:
The Challenge:
This week, we challenge you to imagine the tic tac toe grid and take some pictures using the rule of thirds. Think about where you position your subject and how that positioning effects the mood, message, or aesthetic value of the image.
Be sure to check out the Flickr group and add your photos to the group pool. Visit my co-host, Manic Mother, too!
Here are 10 Flickr groups to see more inspiration for doll photography.
© 2010 – 2013, Food Fun Family. All rights reserved.
This is my first time here.
What an eye opener. I still do not quite understand why it is called the rule of thirds. Which means I do not understand it completely but the photos look amazing.
I am still waiting for the lightbulb to go on and for the “ohhhhhh!!”.
I will keep coming back.
K~
[Reply]
Lolli Reply:
April 8th, 2010 at 9:24 am
Thanks for stopping by! I think the reason it’s called the rule of thirds is because the grid is broken up into groups of 3 (3 rows, 3 columns), so in a sense you’re breaking the photo up into thirds. Does that help at all?
[Reply]
Great tips! This is actually one I sort of knew about. I don’t think I am very good about it but at least I am aware of it! Oh and could you and your hubby be any cuter???
.-= Brandie´s last blog ..I Heart Faces Week 13~ Dramatic B&W =-.
[Reply]
Thanks…all these tips are great! My hubby and I fight over the ‘centering’ issue all the time! Our arguments over it, though, apply to home decorating, as well. I think things look more interesting if they’re grouped or off-center on a shelf or bookcase, etc. He goes around after me and rearrange the knick-knacks, and hates it when I crop a photo with the subject off-center. I’m gonna have to train him better. ;)
[Reply]
I will definitely give this a shot. I’m trying to think out of the centered box more with my pics. Thanks for this great little lesson in thirds.
.-= Run DMT´s last blog ..I Heart Faces: Dramatic Black & White Photo Challenge =-.
[Reply]
You KNOW how I feel about TROT (okay, maybe that abbreviation isn’t so flattering). I LOVE that you did a tutorial on it!! I also LOVE the off center pic of you and your hubby. That kind of composition totally speaks to me. :)
.-= Cecily R´s last blog ..Photo Story Friday and Seventh Grade =-.
[Reply]
Cool! I do usually try not to center…but I’ve never thought about “thirds” before. Love you tips!
.-= Trenchmommy´s last blog ..Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep! =-.
[Reply]
That is one thing that I knew and have been trying really hard to do it!
.-= Nicole´s last blog ..Trying to enjoy the snow………….C’mon Spring! =-.
[Reply]
This was great information for a novice like myself. Thanks, Lolli!
.-= Courtney´s last blog ..Introducing Around the Town on Tuesdays Blog Hop! =-.
[Reply]
Thanks for this tut Lolli!! I knew about the “rule” but I sometimes have a hard time understanding how to apply it……your examples really helped – like the boys with the kite….makes more sense when I SEE it with the guide!!
.-= TidyMom´s last blog ..Easter Morning Casseroles & Crunchy Coated Bacon! =-.
[Reply]
Fascinating! I am a newbie at learning photography so I just try to suck up all of your knowledge! Thanks for putting it out there…
.-= JenniferG – Hip As I Wanna Be´s last blog ..Surprising Things I Learned Walking With My Son =-.
[Reply]