Why rule of third is so important in photography

Rule of third is one of the basics in image composition.

One of the common beginner errors when starting photography is placing the main subject in the center of the frame. A centered subject might work in some situations, but generally the subject should not be centered. If you look back at your very early images you will probably experience many of these images have the subject centered. You will find the same if you look at drawings made by children. In most of their drawings the main subject is placed in the middle of the sheet of paper.

Our brain is programmed to search in the center to find what we are looking for. Because of this, looking at an image with the subject in the center is not very stimulating. It does not create any or enough interest to keep the viewer. By placing the subject of center it will be a much more compelling image which will attract the viewer’s attention.

Rule of third, also referred to as the Golden mean, is one of the most common used techniques in photography composition. Getting the composition right is very important for a successful image. Using this technique creates a visually well balanced image and adds strength to the image as well. Everyone can do it with any camera. It is about taking the time and look twice before you push the trigger. The good thing about composition is it is not depending on what camera you use. This part of photography is not at all about camera adjustments.

What is the rule of third?

The basic of the rule of third is to divide frame in three equal parts horizontally and vertically. The main subject should be placed on one of the four intersections created by the lines or on any of the horizontal or vertical lines. The four intersections and the four lines are referred to as the golden mean.

In this green scenery the house is placed on the upper right intersection - golden mean

The upper and lower right intersections is considered to be the best spots to place the main subject. The reason for this is our eyes are used to and will look from the left to the right as when reading a book.

When shooting landscapes, the rule of third is useful when positioning the horizon. The horizon should be placed at one of the horizontal lines one third from the top or bottom. If you place the horizon straight in the middle of the frame you divide the image in two. It makes it difficult for the viewer to know which part you intended to be the important part of the image.

The Egyptian vase is placed on the lower right intersection, giving a balance in the image

Another important composition rule and often seen by beginners, is the horizon is not completely horizontal. A sloping horizon is not natural and gives a wrong impression of the image. By using the Golden means when you position the horizon, it is easier to remember placing it correct.

Breaking the rule

No rule without exceptions. In some situation it will work fine putting the main subject in the center or of the golden means. One such situation is when there is nothing else in the frame that competes with the main subject. The surrounding might be completely out of focus and as such not disturbing. A second situation is when the image has a strong sense of balance. If the top or bottom is equally strong a centered position might work fine.

Post processing the image

You can after the image is shot, do necessary adjustments in an image editor. If you have an image with lot of empty space around the main subject because you of any reason did not compose the image properly, you can crop the image in your image editor. When cropping you should remember about the rule of third and correct such as the main subject is placed on any of the golden means. However the good photographers do the composition in camera. You can do to with a lot of training.


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