It might seem a little bit complicated. But actually the Rule of the Third (also named the Golden Section) is pretty simple to use, if you just know how to divide a square into nine equal parts.
If you are looking for a simple, real life example of the Rule of the Third, you can find a news channel on your TV. Look where the newsreader is sitting; either in the right or the left third. It is a classic example of the Rule of the Third.
The Rule of the Third is not a new invention. Many years ago painters found out, that their paintings would be more balanced, if the main subject was placed one third or two thirds from the left and/or the bottom.
To be absolutely correct the right place to put the main subject is not exactly one third (or two third) from the border. There is a complicated mathematically rule that describes the exact place. But it is so close to one third that is fine enough for practically use. So as long as you are not showing your pictures to a mathematician, you will be fine.
So when you are photographing, try to place your subjects in the third parts of the picture; if possible both vertically and horizontal.
This is especially important when you are photographing subject that includes the horizon. A typical mistake is to place it in the middle of the picture, but the only thing that does, is to divide the photo in two; and that is not normally what you want.
So what is the most interesting part; the above the horizon or the one below? Is the sky full of beautiful clouds or is it gray and boring? Place the most interesting part of the subject according to the Rule of the Third.
On some cameras the subject has to be in the middle to make it sharp. In this case you shall just place the subject in the middle of the frame, press the releaser half down and then turn the camera so it points to the subject. Then press the releaser completely down.
It is okay to break the Rule of the Thirds (like all other photographic rules). But you shall know why you are doing it and therefore only do it on purpose. - 30301
If you are looking for a simple, real life example of the Rule of the Third, you can find a news channel on your TV. Look where the newsreader is sitting; either in the right or the left third. It is a classic example of the Rule of the Third.
The Rule of the Third is not a new invention. Many years ago painters found out, that their paintings would be more balanced, if the main subject was placed one third or two thirds from the left and/or the bottom.
To be absolutely correct the right place to put the main subject is not exactly one third (or two third) from the border. There is a complicated mathematically rule that describes the exact place. But it is so close to one third that is fine enough for practically use. So as long as you are not showing your pictures to a mathematician, you will be fine.
So when you are photographing, try to place your subjects in the third parts of the picture; if possible both vertically and horizontal.
This is especially important when you are photographing subject that includes the horizon. A typical mistake is to place it in the middle of the picture, but the only thing that does, is to divide the photo in two; and that is not normally what you want.
So what is the most interesting part; the above the horizon or the one below? Is the sky full of beautiful clouds or is it gray and boring? Place the most interesting part of the subject according to the Rule of the Third.
On some cameras the subject has to be in the middle to make it sharp. In this case you shall just place the subject in the middle of the frame, press the releaser half down and then turn the camera so it points to the subject. Then press the releaser completely down.
It is okay to break the Rule of the Thirds (like all other photographic rules). But you shall know why you are doing it and therefore only do it on purpose. - 30301
About the Author:
Morten Elm is the editor of Foto Fan. Here you can read about fotografering. You can also find information about subjects like digital kamera.
