rule of thirds

Of all the tips, I think that following (or, rather, understanding) the Rule of Thirds may make the biggest difference in the quality of your photos.

The Rule of Thirds is a guideline used by painters to help create more 'energy' or interest in their compositions than simply centering the subject would. Essentially, you equally divide your viewfinder using two vertical lines and two horizontal lines to form a grid. You then compose your scene so that your features align with the grid, or so that your focal point falls generally on one of the four intersection points.



Hopefully, the following examples help to better understand the concept. Click on the photos to see the grid lines and observe how the features line up with them.

Of the items in this photo, attention tends to be drawn towards the knight because (1) it aligns generally at the third, (2) it happens to be the piece most in focus, and (3) it is the most brightly lit piece. (More discussion on lighting and its effects in the future).

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As with many rules, this rule is widely considered a guideline only. Strictly following any set of rules tends to make your photos predictable. However, I believe that understanding and applying the concept is the first step to learning how to visualize things a little differently.

jte