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What does rule of thirds mean?

4 min read

Asked by: Donald Stephan

What is the meaning of 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.

What is an example of rule of thirds?

Rule of Thirds Example: Landscapes



If the focus of your image is on land (i.e. mountains, buildings), the horizon should fall near the upper third and if the focus is the sky (i.e. sunsets, sunrises), the horizon should fall near the lower third. Here is an example of the rule of thirds for a landscape photo.

What is rule of thirds and why is it important?

The rule of thirds is the most well-known composition guideline. It helps draw the viewer’s eye into the image and places more emphasis on the subject. Ideally, the empty space that’s left should be in the direction the subject is looking or heading into. The rule of thirds doesn’t work 100 percent of the time though.

What are the 3 rule of thirds?

The Rule of Thirds is a common compositional technique that divides your frame into an equal, three-by-three grid with two horizontal lines and two vertical lines that intersect at four points. The Rule of Thirds places your subject on the left-third or right-third of the frame, creating a pleasing composition.

How do you explain the rule of thirds to a child?


So if you're taking a portrait of someone you don't want to stick their face right in the middle. But maybe off to the side to show a little bit more of your scene in the background.

What is the rule of thirds for beginners?

The rule of thirds explained. In 30 seconds the popular composition tool rule of thirds suggests photographers frame their subject.

Why is it called rule of thirds?

The Rule of Thirds posits that a visual composition is most pleasing to the eye when its compositional elements conform to an imaginary set of lines that divide the frame into equal thirds, both horizontally and vertically.

How is the rule of 3rds used in design?

In design, the rule of thirds helps to arrange elements within a composition in a more harmonious, balanced, and aesthetically pleasing way. By creating two horizontal and two vertical lines across your design at equal distance, you get a grid of nine identical boxes.

How do you break the rule of thirds?

Placing your subject or horizon in the centre of the image is the most obvious alternative to the Rule of Thirds, and works well for many subjects. A prominent horizontal line in the dead-centre of an image perfectly bisects it and gives equal weight to the two halves of the image.

What does rule of thirds do in photography?

What is the purpose of the rule of thirds? The rule of thirds helps direct the viewer’s gaze to the main focal point of an image, whatever the subject may be. It makes the most of empty space by drawing your eye to a specific part of the image, emphasised through composition.

What is the Golden Triangle in photography?

The golden triangle is instead a classical rule of composition used in paintings and photography. This timeless rule states that to create a harmonious image, the main subject should describe the shape of a triangle. The reason: This kind of arrangement exudes peace while the symmetry conveys clarity and harmony.

What are the 7 elements of photography?

There are seven basic elements of photographic art: line, shape, form, texture, color, size, and depth. As a photographic artist, your knowledge and awareness of these different elements can be vital to the success of your composition and help convey the meaning of your photograph.

What is juxtaposition in photography?

Juxtaposition photography: definition



For the purposes of a ‘juxtaposition in photography’ definition, we can say that juxtaposition photography involves combining two or more elements in the same picture, highlighting the interesting contrast between them, to create an eye-catching and thought-provoking image.