The Rule of the Third (also called the Golden Section) might seem a little complicated: But actually it is not as complicated as you probably think. If you are able to divide a square in nine equally sized parts, you will be able to use the Rule of the Third.
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.
Actually one third is not the absolutely correct place to place the main subject. There is a very complex mathematically rule that describes the Golden Section. But as long as you are not showing your pictures to mathematicians, it is just fine to use one third as a rule.
So learn from the painters and place your subject in the third parts of the photography. It can be either vertically or horizontal; or both.
The Rule of the Third is especially important, when you are photographing the horizon. A classic mistake is to place it in the middle of the photo. But as you have learned, it will divide the photo in two parts. The result is an unbalanced photo.
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.
Some cameras cannot figure out the make the subject sharp, if it is not in the middle. If that is the case, you should just place the subject in the middle of the frame, only press down the release half and the turn the camera subsequently. This way the camera knows that your subject is.
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. - 30435
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.
Actually one third is not the absolutely correct place to place the main subject. There is a very complex mathematically rule that describes the Golden Section. But as long as you are not showing your pictures to mathematicians, it is just fine to use one third as a rule.
So learn from the painters and place your subject in the third parts of the photography. It can be either vertically or horizontal; or both.
The Rule of the Third is especially important, when you are photographing the horizon. A classic mistake is to place it in the middle of the photo. But as you have learned, it will divide the photo in two parts. The result is an unbalanced photo.
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.
Some cameras cannot figure out the make the subject sharp, if it is not in the middle. If that is the case, you should just place the subject in the middle of the frame, only press down the release half and the turn the camera subsequently. This way the camera knows that your subject is.
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. - 30435
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 kameratasker.
