Composition: Rule of Thirds The rule of thirds is a compositional rule of thumb in photography and other visual arts such as painting. The rule states that an image can be divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines. The four points formed by the intersections of these lines can be used to align features in the photograph. Proponents of this technique claim that aligning a photograph with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the photo than simply centering the feature would.

The Rule of Thirds is more of a guide than a hard and fast rule, but is very helpful when choosing the placement of the subject in the frame.  

General photography: Composition Place your center of interest on one of the intersecting points to ensure that your subject is off-center. If there are vertical structures in your photo that are important, like buildings, trees, or a solitary person, place them on the vertical lines.

Portrait photography: Composition Portrait photography: You may want to keep your subject centered, ignoring the power points. But your subject's eyes should still line up with the horizontal lines. If your subject is farther away, or you're taking a group portrait, place their heads on the horizontal lines instead.

Landscape Photography: Composition Landscape Photography: Place the horizon on one of the horizontal lines. If your emphasis is on the area below the horizon, then place the horizon on the highest line, giving more space to the emphasized area. If you want to focus above the horizon, place it on the lowest horizontal line, so the sky covers the bigger portion of the photo.

Composition Try various angles and distances of the same subject to explore visual impact. Compare these two photos of the same subject. How does the tightening of the shot change the photo?

Rhythm Another way to create dynamic impact in your photograph is with the use of visual rhythm. This is a way to use pattern or repetition of form and shape in an image to create interest.

The Triangle Basing the composition on a triangle that goes from any one corner to the two opposite sides, is a good way to create a strong image. By placing objects in your composition along strong diagonal lines that create a triangle, you'll add strength to your image.

Negative Space Negative space is a term used for the part of the frame surrounding the actual subject. This space is usually flat in colors to make the subject