Rule of Thirds : How A Simple Composition Can Create A Stronger Image

one of the most popular ways that photographers compose their image is through the rule of thirds.  the rule of thirds is when you can visually divide your image into thirds, both vertically and horizontally, creating four intersecting points.  it is on one of those four intersecting points that the subject is then placed.  sometimes the subject is placed exactly on that point, while other times it is placed close or near.  while center compositions are necessary and appropriate for some images, the rule of thirds offers a visually pleasing way to compose a photo that the viewer appreciates as well.

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Rule of Thirds: How A Simple Composition Can Create A Stronger Image

Rule of Thirds: How A Simple Composition Can Create A Stronger Image | Bethadilly Photography

Forces You To Use Negative Space, At Times

one of the most effective things about the rule of thirds is that it forces the photographer to incorporate some negative space into the image.  instead of filling the frame with a subject, the photographer places their subject on one of the rule of thirds quadrants and allows the rest of the image to fall into negative space.  this can create a stronger image because the negative space cushions and supports the main subject, making it obvious where/who the subject is.

need help with negative space?  read more about how to use negative space thoughtfully within your images.

Rule of Thirds: How A Simple Composition Can Create A Stronger Image | Bethadilly Photography

Allows You To Incorporate More Elements and Story

sometimes using the rule of thirds simply allows you to incorporate more story in your frame, while still being visually pleasing.  because you are placing your subject on a portion of your frame, you are allowing the rest of your frame to be open for additional storytelling.  in the image above, i placed the family of three near the rule of thirds point on the bottom right, opening up the rest of the frame to the scene that surrounds them and the story of the ducks on the pond.

Rule of Thirds: How A Simple Composition Can Create A Stronger Image | Bethadilly Photography

Focus On Where The Eye Falls

when composing your image using the rule of thirds, eyes can offer an obvious focal point.  if you are working with a subject that has eyes, it’s very effective to place one of their eyes on the rule of thirds point.  in the image above of the dog, i placed his camera right eye on the rule of thirds point.  if i were to have placed his left eye on the rule of thirds point, it wouldn’t have allowed me a lot of space on the right side of the frame, so i chose the right eye to allow for additional cushion between the dog and the edge of the picture.

it is important to note that sometimes your subject won’t fall perfectly on your rule of thirds point, but you do have the freedom to tweak that in lightroom during your crop, using the rule of third grid lines, if needed.

Rule of Thirds: How A Simple Composition Can Create A Stronger Image | Bethadilly Photography

Composing On The Right

when using the rule of thirds, there are four main points where you can place your subject.  it can be most effective to place your subject on the right side of the frame, as it is the most visually pleasing to the viewer.  your audience will look at your image much like they read a book.  their eye will start on the left side of the picture and move towards the right.  it is thoughtful to place your subject on the right side of the frame, using the rule of thirds, because it allows your viewer to end on your subject instead of on blank space.

Rule of Thirds: How A Simple Composition Can Create A Stronger Image | Bethadilly Photography

Following A Gaze

sometimes it will be necessary to compose your subject on the left side of the frame, using the rule of thirds.  this is really important if your subject is turned or gazing in a certain direction.  it’s really important to incorporate space in the area that your subject is looking, at is allows your viewer the opportunity to gaze with the subject.  always allow your subject’s line of sight or gaze to stay within the frame so that the viewer can get an idea of what they are looking at.  when the subject looks out of the frame, the viewer becomes confused because they are uncertain of what is attracting the subjects attention and it can confuse the story of your image.  sometimes you may want to do this to create tension with your viewer.

the rule of thirds is something that takes a little thought and practice.  once you are aware of the intersecting points and how they can be used when composing your photograph, incorporating the rule of thirds into your photography will become something you don’t even realize you are doing anymore.

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Rule of Thirds: How A Simple Composition Can Create A Stronger Image | Bethadilly Photography

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