The Rule Of Thirds has many applications in photography (and fine art). Consider the following sample photo frames:
Notice how the frames have green lines which divide the area into three equal sections in each direction. Strong horizontal or vertical lines should be placed on one of these 1/3 lines. A common strong horizontal line in many photos is the horizon. Try to NOT have the horizon in the middle of your photo. Instead, move it to the upper or lower 1/3 line.
Also, notice that red dots have been placed on the intersections of the 1/3 lines. These intersections are places where you should place items of special visual interest. Please note that the distance of "1/3" is an approximation - no need to measure - estimations are fine. Also, not all the 1/3 lines and points of intersection are utilized in every photo - sometimes using one makes you abandon a second one. If you have to make choices, give the highest priority to the most important element(s) in your photo.
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In this horizontal (landscape) view of the St. Joseph, Michigan lighthouses, the large structure was placed on the left 1/3 line while the smaller light structure was near the right 1/3 line. The superstructure is on the lower 1/3 line. The large light is at the intersection of the left 1/3 and the upper 1/3 lines. Priority was given to placing the large lighthouse on the left 1/3 line, at the expense of the smaller light - this was OK since the smaller light did not end in the middle of the frame and was far enough right to balance the larger light on the left. |
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In this vertical (portrait) format image of the lighthouses, notice that the horizon is on the upper 1/3 green line. The large lighthouse has been placed at the intersection of the upper 1/3 line and the left 1/3 line. |
