Rule of thirds
What is the rule of thirds?
The rule of thirds is a guideline for photography and videography. It assumes that an image is divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. The theory suggests that placing a photo’s points of interest along these lines, or at their intersections, makes the photo more balanced and pleasing to the human eye.
Studies have shown that when viewing images, people usually look at one of the intersection points rather than the exact center of the shot. Using the rule of thirds works with this natural way of viewing an image rather than detracting from it.
Origin of the rule of thirds
The Rule of Thirds has been used in the visual arts for centuries and is thought to have been first written down by John Thomas Smith in 1797. However, the rule is believed to have been used extensively long before Smith's documentation.
While the rule's origins can be traced back to the art world, it has found its way into the realms of photography, design, and even cinematography. Today, it's considered a basic yet powerful tool for creating visually appealing compositions.
Using the rule of thirds
Applying the rule of thirds is relatively straightforward. When setting up a shot, imagine the camera frame divided into a grid of nine equal parts. You can position the important elements in your scene along those lines or intersection points.
Luckily, most cameras and smartphones can overlay this grid onto the viewfinder, making it easier to use the Rule of Thirds when composing your shots. With a bit of practice, however, you don’t need the visual grid to see the lines and use them to enhance your compositions.
Rule of thirds in photography
In photography, the Rule of Thirds is used to direct the viewer's eye to the main subjects. By placing your subject at an intersection point, you can create a more dynamic composition compared to centering the subject.
For landscape photography, aligning the horizon line with one of the horizontal grid lines can create a sense of balance and depth. Offsetting the subject of a landscape photo using the rule of thirds can contribute an open, visually pleasing effect too. For portraits, placing the person's eyes along the top horizontal line can make the photo more vivid.
Rule of thirds in design
In design, the Rule of Thirds can be used to create visual layouts that feel balanced and engaging. By placing key elements along the grid lines or at the intersection points, designers can guide the viewer's eye through their visuals in a naturally appealing way. Whether it's a website, a poster, or a brochure, the Rule of Thirds can help with a striking design presentation, drawing more attention to the visual.
Rule of thirds in live streaming
Having a good stream layout as a live creator is far more important than many people understand. The rule of thirds can be an effective guideline for making your stream more visually appealing. If you’re streaming content from your PC, centering your face cam on one of the vertical lines from the rule of thirds is a good idea.
Many content creators offset their face cams so that they’re not centered, but not in the very corner of the stream either. If you’re hosting a live interview stream, aligning each person with the vertical lines of the grid is a good practice too.
It’s a generally good idea to avoid putting too many important parts of your stream layout in the center of the screen or in the corners. Refer to the rule of thirds to create a visually clear and well-balanced layout for your live content.
Breaking the rule of thirds
While the Rule of Thirds is a helpful tool, it's not a hard and fast rule that should always be followed. There are times when breaking the rule can result in a more compelling composition.
For instance, centering a subject can create a strong, symmetrical composition, especially in a scene that is naturally symmetrical. Similarly, placing a subject along the very edge of the shot’s frame can create tension and intrigue.
Knowing when to break the rule
The key to effectively breaking the Rule of Thirds is understanding why it works in the first place. Once you see the elements of visual balance that underpin the rule, you’ll understand when breaking the rule could lead to a more effective composition.
Remember, the rule of thirds is just one tool in your creative toolbox. It's there to help you create engaging compositions, but it's not the only way to achieve this. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your own unique look.