PHOTOGRAPHY

 Rule Of Thirds What does it mean and how do you use it in photography

  Do you have a desire to take better photos? Have you learned the basics of photography and want to take the next step? If so, it's time to start figuring out the rules of composition.

  In a previous article, we talked about these rules and the Golden Thirds Rule was one of them. Because it is the most famous and discussed rule in photography, I have dedicated this article to explain it alone and how to use it.

  So, in this article, we will learn about Rule Of Thirds, how they are used in all types of photography, and how they can help or hinder your photos.

  An important note before I start, the names of this rule differ in photography, some call it the rule of thirds like me, or the rule of triangulation. The names are different, but the meaning is the same.

 Rule Of Thirds

   What does Rule Of Thirds mean in photography?

  Rule Of Thirds is one of the basic principles that are often used globally in the composition of the image, and the reason for this is; Its use is very simple and makes a huge difference in the look of the final image.

  The rule of thirds refers to dividing the scene in front of you into three horizontal sections, and three vertical sections, which means you should have two lines from top to bottom, and two lines from left to right, as shown below:

  Did you see the red circles at the intersection of the lines? You should place your most important subject in the scene in one of these four circles, just like the picture below.

  The most important subject in the picture is the balloon, so it was placed at one of the intersection points of the lines

  Or you could place your main topic along the horizontal or vertical lines as shown below.

  In short, you should place the main subject away from the center of the image (ie, do not place it in the center of the image).

  Placing key elements or subjects in these areas creates a more visually pleasing image that naturally helps direct the viewer's eye to the main subject.

  Imagining these lines can be tricky, but fortunately, many digital cameras, including smartphone cameras, come with settings for displaying a Rule of Thirds grid on the screen, often called "Gridlines."

  If your camera doesn't have a rule of thirds grid, don't worry. You can just imagine it and put the main subject away from the center of the image.

  Well, Rule Of Thirds can be applied to all types of photography, but we'll look at how to apply it to portraits and landscape photography only, and of course, you can apply it the same way to all other genres.

   How to apply the rule of thirds when photographing a portrait

  You can use the rule of thirds in any type of photo you take, even when photographing people.

  Using the rule of thirds when shooting portraits will help you turn a simple photo into an amazing portrait, based on the person's position alone.

  When photographing a person from afar you should place them along the vertical lines, and their head at the intersection of the lines (red circles in the illustration above).

  Try to align the person's body with one of the vertical lines in the grid.

  If the person is leaning to the right, place them on the right vertical line in the grid (and vice versa if the subject is facing left, place them on the left line).

  If you are shooting a person up close and they are tilted, place the eye closest to the camera on one of the two top points.

  Whereas if the person is looking directly at the camera, place his or her eyes along the top line.

   How to apply the rule of thirds when photographing landscape

  Landscape shots don't have a clear main theme, so it's a bit more challenging to figure out what to place in points of interest (red circles in the illustration above).

  When shooting a landscape, position the horizon along the top or bottom line. (The horizon is the line that separates the earth and the sky.)

  The horizon is laid out along the top line of the rule of thirds grid in the image below.

  Whereas in the image below, the horizon is laid out along the bottom line.

  If the sky is more interesting than the foreground, such as the beautiful sunset in the image below, it makes sense to place the horizon on the lower third line so that the beautiful sky takes up as much of the image as possible.

  Also, the shining point (the sun) should be placed on the right or left side and not in the middle.

  But if your scene has an interesting foreground, make the horizon along the upper third line so that the foreground takes up as much of the image as possible.

  In this stunning image, the silky look of seawater in the foreground adds a lot of visual interest to the scene.

  Always remember that every time you take a landscape shot, try to take several test shots. For example, put the horizon in the bottom line and take a picture, then put it in the top line and take another picture.

  In the end, you will find that one is strong over the other, and this will be your photo to post on Instagram or to use for some other purpose.

  For landscape photographers, you have time to think about your composition - mountains and, rivers will not escape. So take your time to compose your image appropriately and beautifully.

  Learn more landscape photography tips here.

   Breaking Rule of Thirds

  Once you learn (and understand) the rule of thirds, it's important not to focus on it too much. This will limit your creativity and harm your photography.

  Well, now that you know the rule of thirds, it's time to learn to break it; Be bold and try something different.

  Sometimes breaking the rule of thirds can result in an attractive and interesting photo. Experiment and test different combinations even if they conflict with any "rules" you've learned.

  One of my favorite times to break the rule of thirds is when photographing similar subjects.

  For example, if you are shooting a flower from above, the symmetry in the flower will look even more amazing when it is perfectly centered in the frame:

  This driveway shot is also somewhat symmetrical, adding to the aesthetic of the composition:

  You can both follow and break the rule of thirds at the same time. For example, the image above is symmetrical, and at the same time, the man is placed at the intersection of the lines.

  Also, some of my personal favorites about breaking the rule of thirds are placing the main subject in the center of the frame.

  Or in landscape photos, have the horizon split the image in half.

  However, learn how to use the rule of thirds effectively before you try to break it - that way you can be sure you're breaking it for better composition, not just because you want to.

   Rule Of Thirds - Conclusion

  Now you know all about the rule of thirds, when to use it, and when to think about breaking it.

  So start training! And see how your compositions improve.

  When you encounter a scene, try shooting it with and without the base, letting you know which style works best for you.

  In short, learn the rule of thirds. Then break it. And above all, have fun!