The Easy Rule Of Thirds

Hey everyone! Welcome to our second installment of photo tips here at Sparkplugging.com.

For today’s tip, we are going to get back to basics and cover one of the most simple rule of composition: the rule of thirds. I actually like to think of it more as a suggestion, since there will be plenty of times you will take great pictures without following it.

Here are the basics. When you frame up an image, divide the frame like a tic-tac-toe board with 2 horizontal lines and 2 vertical lines. Here’s an example:

To improve your shots, all you have to do is place your subject at the intersection of any two lines.

That’s it. Instant ‘artist’s statement’ with your photos. To enhance this even more, have your subject looking or facing in the direction of the open area. This ‘visual space’ adds even more interest to your photo.

Some cameras (including my 2005-era point-and-shoot) will display the grid pattern for me, so I don’t even have to think about where the exact intersections are! Maybe your camera has this feature as well.

Start using this technique today, and then look at other photographs and see where it’s being used there. And don’t limit yourself to horizontal/vertical shots. Angle your camera for an interesting perspective, and use the rule of thirds on top of that. Your geometry teacher will be so proud (if she remembers your name).

After you’ve used this technique for a while, completely change it up it and try something new like having your subject look away from the open area, or cutting off the bottom of heads so that only eyes peek out from the edge of the frame. After all, it wouldn’t be a ‘rule of thirds’ unless you found creative ways to break it.

Have you found creative ways to use the rule of thirds in your photographs? Let us know in the comments below! Also, feel free to suggest ideas or techniques you would like me to cover for future articles!

Eric Doggett is a photographer in Austin, Texas. He has a site specifically for baby photography tips at ShootTheBaby.com, as well as BoxOfficeBaby.com, a site where you can order custom birth/party announcement posters - it’s a very unique gift newborn children can keep forever. You can reach him at babydaddy -at- ShootTheBaby.com.