One of the first pieces of advice beginner photographers often hear is, “Use the Rule of Thirds!” While this is a solid tip, the concept can be confusing without proper explanation. I still remember my high school photography teacher, Mr. Cressop, sketching it out on the chalkboard back in 1981—yes, that long ago!
What Is the Rule of Thirds?
The Rule of Thirds is a simple composition technique that helps photographers create balanced, visually appealing images. Here’s how I teach it to my students:
1. Imagine a grid—Divide your frame into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines (like a tic-tac-toe board).
2. Place key elements along these lines—Position your subject near one of the lines or, even better, at an intersection point.
This method works because it aligns with how our brains naturally process images, creating harmony and reducing visual tension.
The Pitfall of Centering Everything
Many beginners make the mistake of placing their subject dead-center, using the focus point in the viewfinder as a guide. While this might work for target practice, it often leads to dull, unbalanced photos. We’ve all seen those awkward family pictures where half the frame is just empty sky above someone’s head!
How to Apply the Rule of Thirds
Many modern cameras, including my trusty Canon G7, offer an optional grid overlay in the viewfinder or LCD screen. This makes framing shots much easier.
Take the bird photo I’ve included as an example:
1.I positioned the bird along the right vertical line.
2.The bird’s eye and beak—the main focal points—are close to an intersection, but not exactly on it, to avoid making the image feel too bottom-heavy.
Had I centered the bird, the composition would have lost its dynamic appeal.
Bonus Tip: Direction Matters
The hawk photo also demonstrates another useful guideline:
1. Facing inward—When your subject is looking (or moving) toward the center of the frame, the image feels more natural.
2. If the bird were facing the edge instead, the photo would feel “off,” creating subconscious discomfort for the viewer.
When to Break the Rule
As the saying goes, “Rules are meant to be broken.” While the Rule of Thirds is a fantastic starting point, some of the most striking compositions deliberately ignore it. Use it as a training tool—soon, you’ll instinctively frame shots this way without even thinking. Experiment, trust your instincts, and see how your photography improves!