Rule of Thirds - What is it and how to use it effectively? (2024)

One of the most popular composition techniques in photography is called the rule of thirds. You can of course take photos without following this rule, but by doing so, what are you missing? The rule of thirds is designed to make a viewer focus on a particular part of the photo and give your photography composition balance. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the basics of this rule and how to use it effectively in your photos.

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Table of Contents

What is the rule of thirds?

The rule of thirds helps photographers ensure important compositional elements within a scene are positioned correctly. Photographers can use this technique to get a viewer to focus on an area that the photographer wants to focus on. But also to be able to ensure that the important parts of the image work in harmony with each other rather through negative space rather than fighting against one another.

The rule of thirds involves dividing your composition horizontally and vertically using four lines. Where the lines intersect on the grid is where the eye of a viewer, or in other words the focal point of the viewer, will most likely go naturally. Secondly, the lines themselves are also a strong magnet for focus.

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Why is it important?

The reason that the rule of thirds is important is that it means that you will stop putting a lone object in the center of the frame. Most of the time when you have an object alone in a scene, the strongest position is off centre to one side.

So, instead of just taking a straight-on picture, move it to the left-hand line or even the right-hand line and see what happens. Notice how your eyes are naturally drawn to lone objects towards the right side of the frame.

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How to use the rule of thirds composition?

So now you know that lines and intersections are points of interest for a viewer. But what are the essential compositional elements of the rule of thirds?

Earlier I talked about how you can make lone objects stand out more by placing them along the intersections of horizontal and vertical lines. But you can also use these intersections to build a journey through the photo for the viewer if you have multiple points of interest. If you place your point of interest on the intersecting lines, the viewers eyes will naturally be able to go from one to another rather than scanning the entire photo for something to focus on.

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This grid can also act as a guide to where you should place horizon lines within an image. For example if you have a dramatic sky you can place your horizon line on the lower horizontal line to show more of the sky. But if your sky is bland and there are interesting foreground object you can line your horizon line on the upper line and show more foreground.

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Cropping with the rule of thirds

One of the great things about the rule of thirds is that you can use it even after you have taken a photo when you are editing. For example, you may have taken a photo and forgot to consider where you positioned your point of interest. By cropping your image using the rule of thirds you may be able to position the main element more effectivly.

In fact, cropping your photos well is one of the easiest and quickest ways of improving a photo. Of course, it is always best to get every photo right at the time when you are taking the shot. But if you can’t, then by using Photoshop or Lightroom (or other editing software) you will be able to crop your photo for better results.

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Breaking the rule of thirds

Sometimes rules are there to be broken. As much as I would advocate that you always apply the rule of thirds grid, sometimes you can’t or even wouldn’t want to. The rule of thirds works when you have a point of interest within a composition. So in some rare occasions like abstract compositions, you won’t be able to apply it.

Think of the rule of thirds as an aid to your photography rather than strict criteria that you should follow. Just be sure that if you are going to break the rule of thirds grid, it won’t have a detrimental effect on your image.

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The rule of thirds is interesting in photography. Some may say the rule of thirds is meant to be broken, and maybe they’re correct in individual shots. But I think the rule is still precious in many photographic scenarios.

It is interesting to look at a picture where the rule was utilised and then notice your eyes wandering towards the imaginary lines. Even an amateur photographer taking family photos can use the rule of thirds to make their photographs unique.

So if you don’t already use the rule of thirds in your photography, introduce it and see the effect it has on your composition.

Kav Dadfar is a writer and travel photographer who has written over 400 articles on photography. He is also a judge on the Wanderlust Travel Photography of the Year competition and a speaker at camera clubs and events. He has years of experience shooting assignments with his images having been used by some of the biggest brands in the world.

This article on the rule of thirds definition and use is subject to copyright. Words and photos by Kav Dadfar (That Wild Idea). Copying or reposting of photos or article elsewhere is strictly forbidden.

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Rule of Thirds - What is it and how to use it effectively? (2024)

FAQs

What is rule of thirds and how is it used? ›

What is the rule of thirds? The rule of thirds is a composition guideline that places your subject in the left or right third of an image, leaving the other two thirds more open. While there are other forms of composition, the rule of thirds generally leads to compelling and well-composed shots.

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How do you use the rule of thirds step by step? ›

The Rule of Thirds places your subject on the left-third or right-third of the frame, creating a pleasing composition. Each intersection point is a potential point of interest; align your main subject along with other elements of the frame along these points to create a balanced, or visually interesting, image.

How effective is the rule of thirds? ›

While the rule of thirds works well for some photographs, it is not the only way to capture a good image. Indeed, any type of composition can be beautiful, and you will miss many opportunities if you never go beyond the rule of thirds.

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What is the best use of rule of thirds? ›

An object is best placed at 1/3 from the sides, preferably at 1/3 from the right because we see through the photo from left to right. People who read from right to left might prefer it on the other side. Horizon at 1/3 and the tree at 1/3. This is how the rule of thirds is used most of the time.

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What is the rule of three used for? ›

The rule of three is a storytelling principle that suggests people better understand concepts, situations, and ideas in groups of three. Over time, the rule has been confirmed by anthropological experts as an archetypal principle that works on three levels: sentences, situations, and stories.

What is the rule of thirds approach? ›

The rule of thirds is a method of breaking up an image or design into different sections using columns and rows that form a grid. The grid consists of three evenly-spaced rows and columns to make nine equal boxes that fit over the image. The grid on your phone's camera is a great example of this.

How does the rule of thirds impact? ›

Balance and Visual Flow: The Rule of Thirds is also employed to create visual balance and a natural flow within the image. By placing key elements along the imaginary lines, a sense of movement and direction is achieved. This guides the viewer's eye through the image in a harmonious and appealing way.

What is the simple rule of thirds in drawing? ›

The rule of thirds is a compositional rule that suggests aligning your subject within specific guidelines and intersection points. The rule states that an image should be divided into nine equal parts with four imaginary lines. This involves two horizontal lines and two vertical lines, equally spaced.

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What is the rule of thirds in life? ›

A third of the time, you will feel good. A third of the time, you will feel OK (not good, but not bad). A third of the time, you will perform poorly. As long as you are within that ratio, you are in the correct zone, especially when training hard and focusing on achieving a goal.

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