The rule of thirds in photography is a basic principle of composition that has been used by artists and photographers for centuries. It’s a simple yet powerful way to make your photos more interesting and pleasing to the eye.
My image with overlays. Note that the eye of the dragon is on the intersection of the division markers. A general rule is to put eyes, or other focal points, at the intersection point.
The image without overlays. (btw: I did the miniature painting myself!)
A Brief Overview of The Rule of Thirds
Essentially, the rule of thirds states that if you divide your image into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, the points of intersection are the most important parts of the image. This means that if you place the subjects of your photo at these intersections, the photo will be more aesthetically appealing.
The reason why the rule of thirds works so well is because it focuses the viewer’s attention on the subject. By placing the focus of the photo at the points of intersection, you’re creating a more balanced and visually interesting composition. It’s also a great way to add a sense of energy and motion to your photos.
The rule of thirds is often used in landscape photography, as it helps to create a sense of depth and scale in the image. By placing the horizon at one of the intersections, you can create a sense of balance between the land and the sky. You can also use the rule of thirds to create a more dynamic portrait, by placing the subject at one of the intersections instead of in the center of the frame.
The rule of thirds can also be used to create a sense of tension or movement in an image. By placing the subject of the photo slightly off-center, it creates the feeling that the subject is in motion. This can be especially effective with action shots.
While the rule of thirds is a great way to improve your composition, it’s important to remember that it’s not a hard and fast rule. It’s an ideal that you should strive for, but it’s not a requirement for every photo. Feel free to experiment and break the rules if it will help you to create a more interesting image.
Overall, the rule of thirds is a great way to improve your photography and create more visually appealing images. By placing the focus of your photo at the points of intersection, you can create a more balanced and interesting composition. Remember to experiment and have fun with the rule of thirds – you never know what you might create!