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One of the first things I learned about composition in photography was the rule of thirds. I follow it a lot, whether it is as I’m shooting, or cropping after the shot.
What is the Rule of Thirds?
Picture your image with what looks like a tic tac toe grid over top of it. Using the rule of thirds, your subject would be placed on one of the horizontal or vertical lines instead of in the center. You also want to take into account the places where the lines meet (upper left or right, lower left or right) and use these for the most important part of the image.
How to Use Rule of Thirds for Landscapes
For landscapes this could mean the horizon is on the bottom line (so more sky space) or on the top line (more landscape or water). Whether you choose top or bottom depends on what you want to highlight.
In the below image taken at Silver Lake Sand Dunes it’s not perfectly in the lines (it doesn’t have to be!). The sand is almost two thirds of the image, and the sky just over a third. But the stump which was my primary subject is in the perfect position in the lower right, with the tree is in the upper left part of the grid.
In the below example taken on a hike to Tolmie Peak, you can see that the foreground in the bottom third and the trees in the center, but the primary subject is in the upper left where the vertical and horizontal lines come together.
What About Living Things or Random Objects?
For living things or random objects, the rules are the same. Place the primary part of your image on one of the lines or where the lines come together.
For living things where the eyes are pointing to the side, you may want to ensure that they are pointing toward the portion of the frame with the most space. Like the example below.
Even better? If a primary portion of your subject (like eyes, head, words, most beautiful part of the landscape?) is in a place where two lines come together. Yes this subject isn’t looking in the direction of the frame with the most space. It was intentional as I wanted to get more of his body in the frame.
Landscape AND living thing? Here ya go.
Bottom Line
Picture your image with a tic tac toe grid over it, and place items of interest on one of the lines or at there intersections. One of the simplest and best composition tips ever.
Do you have a unique way that you use the rule of thirds? Or a favorite image you have taken with this tip? Tell me in the comments!