Photography is a lot more than just clicking some photos; it has to do with telling a story, creating a visual experience, and invoking emotion that captivates the viewer. The Rule of Thirds is a very powerful tool that helps photographers achieve the desired balance in photography. Whether you are an experienced or amateur photographer, you must know and apply the Rule of Thirds in your craft. In this blog, you will get to explore various aspects of this.
Rule of Thirds: What is It?
The Rule of Thirds is an essential principle used for visual composition. It effectively divides a photo into nine equal segments with the help of two equally spaced vertical lines and two equally spaced horizontal lines. It builds a grid of three columns and three rows. You just need to place the key elements or subjects at their interjections (aka ‘power points’), and you get to create a more engaging and dynamic composition than just centering the subject.
Rather than placing the subject in the dead center, you should offset it with the help of the Rule of Thirds principle. This is how you can add more depth to the images. As the human eyes generally gravitate towards such power points, the images appear to be harmonious and pleasing to the viewers.
A Closer Look
Imagine the screen or viewfinder of your camera is overlaid with a grid of two horizontal and two vertical lines, breaking a scene into nine equal segments. All these lines and subsequent intersections prompt where the scene or image ought to be positioned.
Horizontal Lines
The horizontal lines are specifically effective for the landscapes. If you wish to emphasize the land or sky, you are required to position the horizon along one of these horizontal lines. It offers your photos with more balance and focus.
Vertical Lines
In regard to any vertical scene, architecture, or portrait, the vertical lines appear to be most useful. All you need to do is align the scene with one of the horizontal lines. It offers you with a sense of direction or movement in the composition.
Intersection Points
These points are also known as ‘power points.’ This is where the lines cross in the frame. The photographer needs to position the scene at one of such intersections. It lets the viewer see the most vital part of the photo easily.
Uses and Applications of the Rule of Thirds
There are various reasons why you should use the Rule of Thirds in your photography. Most professional photographers use this trick to ensure a well-balanced composition and make the photo more natural to the viewers. This principle enables the images to have more flow and energy than the scene placed at the dead center. Some of the reasons for which you should use the Rule of Thirds technique are described below:
Increased Visual Appeal: Rule of Thirds
If you wish to make your photos interesting and visually engaging, then you are supposed to use the Rule of Thirds principle. This technique follows a natural pattern in regard to how human eyes scan a photo.
Balanced Composition: Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds also lets you attain a balanced composition in your photography. You just need to position the scene or subject at the intersections or along the gridlines to distribute the visual weight in a balanced manner. It lets you avoid an awkward or lopsided composition, which is likely to happen if the scene is centered.
Directing the Focus: Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds is there to effectively direct the viewer’s eyes across the image. This is how it highlights the most vital aspect of the image while offering background and content to the viewers at the same time.
Flexibility and Creativity: Rule of Thirds
This rule also comes with creativity and flexibility in your photography. It is okay to break the rule for artistic vision and liberty. But you must understand that this principle provides you guidance and helps you to make an informed decision about the composition and other aspects.
How to Apply the Rule of Thirds?
Once you understand the Rule of Thirds, you can proceed to apply this principle or trick in your photography. There are different ways to follow different genres of photography.
Landscapes
In landscape photography, using this principle can make a significant difference. For instance, rather than positioning the horizon of the landscape at the center of the frame, it would be better for you to align this along one of the horizontal lines. This is how you get to emphasize the foreground or sky in accordance with the priority of the composition.
Example
If you are to click a sunset, position the horizon on the lower third of your frame to exhibit the amazing colors of the sky. On the other hand, while capturing a field with interesting textures, the horizon is positioned on the upper third to emphasize the landscape.
Portraits
The Rule of Thirds is important for framing faces in portrait photography. You just need to align the subject’s face with one of the vertical lines, positioning the eyes adjacent to the intersection points. It lets you create a natural composition and add depth to the portrait image.
Example
If you wish to take a headshot, you should place the eyes of the subject along the upper third of your frame. It directly draws your eyes to the most expressive aspect of the portrait.
Cityscapes and Architecture
If you wish to capture cityscapes and architecture, utilizing the Rule of Thirds lets you effectively balance the structure with the environment around it. It is also beneficial for you to align various vertical elements, such as bridges or buildings, with one of the vertical lines. This is how you get to lead the viewer’s eyes through the photo while ensuring a sense of proportion.
Example
If you are clicking a skyline, position the tallest structure along one of the vertical lines. The rest of the city should spread across the remaining frame. It lets you focus on the main structure without overpowering the photo.
Action and Wildlife Photography
The Rule of Thirds also proves to be useful and beneficial in regard to action and wildlife photography. This feature allows you to leave some space for the subject to move. You are required to position the subject or animal off-center to offer a sense of direction and space.
Example
If you are capturing a flying bird, it would be better for you to place the bird along one of the vertical lines, providing some direction and space for its flying. This is how you create a dynamic short that feels in motion and alive.
When You Should Ignore the Rule of Thirds?
You are not always supposed to follow the Rule of Thirds. At times, you should also break it purposefully. It is important for you to know when to break this rule. If you feel positioning the scene at the center will be better, then you should avoid the Rule of Thirds then.
For instance, if you are clicking some symmetrical objects, it would be better for you to place them at the center to increase the visual impact and symmetry.
But you need to understand the Rule of Thirds properly before you can proceed to break them. The best thing for you would be to know how to apply the rules first. Then you can decide when to break them as per your preference.
Tools to Use for Applying the Rule
These days, most editing software, smartphones, and cameras come with the Rule of Thirds feature. It enables you to view the gridlines while composing the shot. You can thus easily position the subject and capture it effectively. Whether you are shooting with your smartphone’s camera, a DSLR, or any other camera, this tool is highly likely to be useful for you.
In post-production, tools like Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom enable you to crop photos effectively using the Rule of Thirds principle. This is how you can make your composition strong even without using a good camera.
Conclusion
The Rule of Thirds is a very powerful feature or principle that elevates the quality of your photography. It just requires you to place the key elements of the photo at the intersections or along the gridlines. As a result, you get to effectively create visually engaging and balanced photos. Once you apply this trick, you will get to see the noticeable difference.
If you know how to use the Rule of Thirds, then it will act as an excellent guideline for you. The important thing is to keep doing the experiment to create your own style. At times, you can also take the liberty to break the rule for better results.
FAQs
What is the Rule of Thirds Photography?
Ans: The Rule of Thirds is a technique that is used in photography to ensure a balanced short while adding more depth to the image.
Is the Rule of Thirds Important for the Photographers to Follow?
Ans: Yes, if a photographer wants to capture a balanced shot, they need to follow the rule of 3rds for all the right reasons.
What are Some Rule of Thirds Examples?
Ans: Position a horizon line along the top third in some landscapes to apply the Rule of Thirds in your photography.
Is It Vital for You to Understand What the Rule of Thirds is?
Ans: If you wish to capture the best photography, then you must understand this principle for your convenience.
Do Professional Photographers Apply this Principle?
Ans: Yes, a lot of professional photographers use this principle in their photography.
