Rule of Thirds

Image Composition Most images from an amateur photographer are centered Artistically there are composition elements, such as lines, points, etc that define an image Photographs work better when the area (or areas) of interest are placed off center. And this is where the rule of thirds comes in Divide your image into 9 sections Place areas along these lines Even if not done in the shot, can be done in editing process later

Rule of Thirds Tips In portrait photography place people’s eyes and heads on the horizontal lines depending on how close up you are shooting Use the vertical grid lines for things like trees, waterfalls, buildings, or wider shot of a person with a background behind them In landscape photography use the horizontal grid lines for things like horizons and where water meets land

Rule of Thirds Landscape/Horizon How to use Rule of Thirds specifically in your landscape photography Avoid placing the horizon line of a photograph directly in the center of the image. Putting the horizon line 1/3 of the way from the top or 1/3 of the way from the bottom creates a more attractive composition. By placing the horizon line at the top third will focus your image on the foreground interest By placing the horizon line at the bottom third will reduce focus on foreground and send the viewers eyes to the background and sky. So when composing your image ask yourself, “How do I want my viewers eyes to scan the image when they see my picture?” Top 1/3 line, so focus Is on beach leading to the people. Bottom 1/3 line, so viewer scans the sky heavily, and people seemed jammed in compared to the sky Horizon is centered so eyes rest in the middle of frame and provide no movement for the viewer to capture interest

Rule of Thirds Tips Try to get specific focal points onto the corners of that middle square DON’T BE A PERFECTIONIST – Your subjects of interest do not need to be perfectly along these lines, but generally close After mastering this simple technique, BREAK THE RULE Suggestions: Split the frame into only 4 sections and at rare times center