Photo Tip: Rule of Thirds
*This post is part of a collaboration with several other pro photographers … each of us is posting a “Favorite Photo Tip”. You can view the other tips here on photographer Pam Nafziger’s blog. Thanks Pam!
Ever heard of the Rule of Thirds? Many people haven’t, but it’s quite simple to use and can help transform a common snapshot into an interesting image.
The Rule of Thirds is a compositional guideline that can help create order and direction when looking at any type of visual art - be it photography, graphic design, or classical art. The Rule of Thirds helps us discern which area of the image is of greatest importance and is based on the belief that the eye has preference for odd numbers, particularly the number three. Does it sound complicated? It’s quite simple, actually. Imagine a grid of nine squares equally divided, like this:
Now, imagine the grid in your viewfinder when you’re composing an image or over an existing image when you’re considering various cropping possibilities. You want the area of greatest interest or impact (in this case, the baby’s eyes) to be placed along one of the intersecting points along the grid. Like this:
No problem, right? Considering the Rule of Thirds when taking even the most basic of snapshots will create an image with greater tension, energy and interest, and who doesn’t want to create a more dynamic photograph?
Hope you find this little tip helpful and enjoy reading the others. I’ll post a link soon.
xoxo,
Rebecca
p.s. Here are some more examples just to drive the point home …
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fantastic tutorial!! Very clearly explained
Yes, yes, yes!!! Point taken!
Great explanation! And beautiful images!
okay! now your forcing me to go and try it… excellent. Molto grazie.
Fantastic thing to share, Rebecca! It makes such a difference in your images
Fantastic share!
This is such a great way to explain a simple, but sometimes hard to understand, concept. How nice of you!
WOW! Great examples!! This is one of my favorite “rules” of photography- your examples make it perfect for people to understand why we don’t “center” those faces in the portraits! Thanks
Wow! What a great way to explain it. I’ve read that tip before but this time I actually “got it”. Thanks so much for sharing! I’ll be using it all the time now!
I’m so glad you shared this - I love it when talented photographers help out!
Great explanation!
Fabulous examples! Every mom (and dad) can use this tip and be happier w/their snapshots (and be more appreciative of how well you execute this and other ‘rules’ of photography in your work).
Wow - thanks for the clear description and fabulous visuals to illustrate the idea. I’m definitely going to remember that great rule when I take photos of my kids from now on - no more centering them in the viewfinder for me!
You are just the sweetest to do this…..Thanks Reb!!
This is too funny! I was just visiting to try to retrace my steps to the photographer in texas who holds workshops for her clients (not sure if I heard of this photog from you..). Then I come across this post.
I am just offering a workshop of my own… I gave a few away at a silent auction… and was looking for a bit of inspiration. I knew I could count on you, but didn’t know how much!
Thanks for the post, good for even a seasoned pro. If only to remember what to teach my charges in a couple of weeks. It’s been awhile since I’ve been the teacher… 2002 Timpview!
did I say Timpview ‘02? Man, it was ‘97. Time is flying and I don’t even know it.
Love the visual of this tutorial. Explains it very well for those that dont know about it!
Thanks so much for this one…but you know what, Rebecca, the normal people still don’t undertstand it…do you know that one mom told me to put her child centered because she want her centered!!!! Ugggh! I almost had a fit!!! LOL!!!
Thanks so much for doing it…I love your work!!!