Using the Rule of 3rds in Your Photographs

Beginning photographers learn the 'rule of thirds' as one of the first composition guidelines toward creating exciting images. This is a technique in which a hypothetical grid (similar to a tic-tac-toe board) is utilized to frame subjects. The grid separates an image into 9 equal portions with 4 crossing points and 4 lines. These points of junction - and the lines which create them - serve as focal points. They accommodate a spectator's natural disposition to focus upon them. In doing so, the rule of 3rds helps you to make footage that are simultaneously balanced and engaging.

In this post, we'll explain how the ROT is utilized for single subject and multi subject compositions. We'll describe the guidelines of engagement and provide an example that will explain the way in which the system can be applied poorly. Lastly, you can discover why all rules of composition, including the ROT, are meant to be thrown out.

One Subject versus Multiple Subjects

In single subject photographs (i.e. those picturing a single person or object), the composition's main focal strength rests along the left line of the grid. Objects of interest that are positioned on that line will encourage your viewer to engage with your photograph. When framing multiple subject compositions, a touch different approach is required.

Multiple points of interest need a prioritization of each subject's significance to the photograph. You must consider which subjects will be in the foreground and that may remain in the background. Where you place those subjects on your ROT grid will either underscore or discount their importance.

Of the four junction points on the grid, the bottom right point has the most focal weight. That is where your spectator's eyes are naturally drawn in multiple subject compositions. The upper left point has the least focal strength. Suppose you were to place your foreground subject on the upper left intersection point while placing your background subject on the bottom right of the grid. Such framing would appear counterintuitive to your viewers. It might confuse them.

Further Rules Of Engagement

If humans are included in the foreground of your pictures, the direction in which they are looking plays a heavy role in making a stimulating composition. The rule of thirds is best used in such circumstances when the subject is placed upon the line opposite of the direction in which he or she's looking.

For instance, imagine your image is centered upon a person who is looking toward the right. He should be positioned on your grid's left line. Likewise, the line along which he is looking should run along the top line of your grid. This type of framing is intuitive to the viewer; it seems natural. And is more engaging.

The rule of thirds is usually applied poorly. This happens when the shutter-bug understands the strategy, but does not fully appreciate why it works. For instance, imagine you're shooting a dog and have him framed so his head is positioned on the higher left point and his tail on the bottom right point. As mentioned earlier, the bottom right point has the most focal strength. The higher left point, the least. As a consequence, the dog's tail would receive the attention rather than his head, reducing the impact of your photograph.

Learning And Bending The R.O.T.

Like all rules of composition, the rule of thirds can be broken. In fact, setting it aside can yield footage that deliver astonishing impact. As an example, a lone road that runs straight into the horizon can be positioned in the middle of your image. While doing so ignores the ROT, it can produce a powerful image that draws your spectator's eye.

By framing your subjects according to the rule of 3rds, you are going to be able to create compositions that appear balanced and interesting to your spectator. That said , once you find out how to effectively use the ROT, be open to experimenting with images that ignore it. You may be surprised by the effect your pictures can have.