Rule Of Thirds

There are many composition rules and guides, but the rule of thirds is the most basic and often the very first lesson when it comes to photography.

PLACE THE SUBJECT/FOCAL POINT IN ONE OF THE THIRDS OF YOUR IMAGE

This can happen in a variety of different spots in your image, including the:

• Top third

• Right third

• Left third

• Bottom third

THE PHOTOGRAPHY RULE OF THIRDS IS EVERYWHERE

A person’s eye naturally goes to one of the thirds in the image. Look at famous artwork and you will see this time and time again. Take the Mona Lisa for example. Her eyes (focal point) are in the top third of the image. Had her eyes been in the centre of the painting, it would not have been as interesting and may have even felt a little awkward.

Take time today when you watch television or a movie. You will notice that the subject is often placed in one of the thirds of the frame, mainly the right or left third. This is especially noticeable when you watch a documentary or any program where a single person is being interviewed alone on camera. Think of how boring if would be if the main character was in the centre of the frame the entire show.