The theme for this week's Qurator's Photo Quest is a fundamental photography rule, and one that changed the way I photograph when I learned it - the Rule of Thirds.
Pretty sure that if you never heard of it, you have experienced it by looking at a photo. And what is this rule, after all? It's a rule to help you balance your photography, making whatever you're photographing more interesting to the viewer. Basically, the idea is to imagine a 3x3 grid on top of whatever you're photographing: that will divide your scene in thirds (hence the name), and the dividing lines and the 4 places where they intersect are perfect for placing whatever you want to bring out in your photography.
Sounds complicated? Naaa. Let's see in in practice:
If you imagine parallel lines dividing this photo in thirds, you'll notice that the bird's body runs along one of them, and its head it's near one of the intersecting points. Look at the same photo, but disregarding this rule:
I find the first photo more eye pleasing, wouldn't you say? As with everything, this rule is a mere suggestion, and you can create awesome photos completely ignoring it. But no doubts it helps to compose your photography better, and you have tons of practical uses!
With two iconic buildings, placing each one more more or less along the dividing vertical lines:
Not only that, but the ArtScience museum (the one with the lotus shape) lies in one of the line intersections, as well as the top of the left building.
The result? A well balanced photo!
Even with more "uninteresting" photos, such as a hand rail, this rule comes in handy. Proper balance makes the difference between a good photo and an average one.
You can also use it to frame the horizon lines, or specific breaks in a landscape. Unsure about the location? Use the lines!
Horizon line in the bottom horizontal line, the boat we want to bring attention to in the right vertical line. See? Easy!
If you have only one subject you want to enhance, placing it in one of the intersection points is the way to go. And although this next one is not the perfect example, it's close enough to stand out.
Even being as amateur as a photographer can be, I have no doubt on how useful this rule is; even better, it's so so easy to apply. Practice makes perfect, so the best way to get confortable with it, it to grab the camera, go out (or in!), and have fun!
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