Today’s photo tip is the first of many that will cover a “rule” of photography. We could start a firestorm of debate about how important rules are, photography is art, etc, etc. What I feel is most important to understand, especially for everyday or beginner photographers, is that it’s okay to break the rules if you do so intentionally. If it’s done by accident, I would bet that your photo will not be pleasing to the eye. And to do so intentionally, you need to know what the rules are first.

One of the most basic and important elements of composition is the Rule of Thirds. Following the Rule of Thirds adds visual interest to your photos. Here’s a simple breakdown:
1. Break your viewfinder into three sections horizontally and three sections vertically.
2. Don’t place your subject smack in the center!
3. Place your subject either on the intersecting lines or in one of the outer thirds.
4. If your subject is a person, keep their eyes in the top third of your frame.

Simple enough, but it’s one that I see a lot of people who take pictures of their families and friends breaking…by accident. Here are a couple of examples.

Centered subject:

Off centered subject (in the top right third):

Centered (in landscapes it’s the horizon that you should look at):

Rule of thirds:

So the next photo you take of your family or that random group of tourists, make sure their eyes are in the top third of the viewfinder. And the next gorgeous sunset you see, don’t divide your picture in half with the horizon–divide it into thirds.

Happy picture taking! May this glorious weather inspire you to get outside and enjoy nature. Thanks for stopping by! Chao,

Naomi