The Rule of Thirds

Art has rules, or at least guidelines….

Here is the “Rule of Thirds”, paraphrased. “Imagine a tic-tac-toe board, with your two horizontal and two vertical lines drawn on your image. The center of interest of an image should be at one of the four intersections of those tic-tac-toe lines.”

These rules aren’t spoken by some “sage of artiness” with no context. These rules work. What most people do NOT know, is WHY the rules work, and exactly what the intent of the rules is.

Take a look at any "snapshot". The subject is in the exact center, you see what it is, then go to the next picture. How fulfilling. (not…)

Compare that with the well composed image, with the center of interest being at one of the “third” intersections. Pay attention to where your eyes go. Do they explore the image? Do they look around to see what else they can find? Are your eyes and your interest drawn in to the image?

You see, THAT is the intent of the “Rule of Thirds”, to make your eyes explore, and your mind be interested.

You may have noticed, I don’t talk about “pictures”, rather “images”. You “take” pictures, you “create” images. A snapshot is a picture, Images are created, designed and planned. My goal for you, dear reader, is for you to begin to create beautiful, exciting, provoking images that your friends and colleagues will be very, very impressed with.

Homework? Find a photo you have taken that you feel is really good, and compare it to one where the subject is planted smack in the middle. Compare your photos paying attention to which image is more interesting. See?