The Rule of Thirds

If you dont know what the rule of 'Thirds' is, 
well I'm not going to tell you.......yet.

First take a look at the photos below, 
which photo or photos appeal to you?
Do you know why they appeal to you?

A

B

C

D

Is the colour distracting you?
Fun Fact
 Red is the color of powerful rituals and deeds. 
It is believed to have protective qualities and is therefore often used to paint sacred  buildings. These photos are from a Buddhist Temple.

The rule of thirds is a powerful compositional technique for making photos more interesting and dynamic.

The human eye isn't generally drawn to the center of an image, instead your eye tends to wander to the 4 intersection points.  If you divide a photograph into equal thirds–both horizontally and vertically–you can easily see these interest points emerge.

The points where these lines are the ideal spot to place your subject or your focal point as shown here. (Upper left third)

More examples of left thirds.

By positioning the trolley in the lower right third,
 I can create direction in the photo.

Again, the calf here is in the right third of the photo. 
This creates space and direction.

More examples of using the right side third.

Top thirds and bottom thirds are the easiest way
 to create interest in a landscape.

The horizon lines are at the top  third in these photos

Horizon in the top third, wagon lower right third.

The horizon line in the top third ensures that you focus on 
whatever is in the front.

Horizon below is in the bottom third, tree bottom left third.

Placing the horizon line in the bottom third of these photos, we tell a story. The never ending sky and the vastness of the landscape.

Where the rock meets the water would be the horizon line in this photo. Notice the waterall starts in the right upper third of this picture causing you eye to follow the water down the rock.

Horizon in the bottom third, seagull top right third.

Does the 'thirds rule' mean that you need to worry about perfectly aligning everything with the thirds of an image? It's just a rough guideline. What's usually most important is that your main subject or region isn't always in the direct middle of the photograph. For landscapes, this usually means having the horizon align with the upper or lower third of the image. For subjects, this usually means photographing them to the right or left side of the photo. Doing so creates an appropriate balance of tension and space, providing more visual interest for the viewer. 

Some rules are meant to be broken. The rule of thirds is an aesthetic guidline. Powerful images can also be created by placing your subject in the center, especially when there is symmetry and a strong point of reference, 

So have fun and learn the rules...

and then break them!

Any questions just let me know - now grab your camera and get going!