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Professional Photography
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Photo Composition Tip #5
The Rule of Thirds - Important Lines and Intersections Article by Nathan Anderson, Staff Writer (Photos by Stephen Kristof, Staff Writer/Photographer) © 2012, FreePhotoCourse.com; all rights reserved In my last article on the Rule of Thirds, you got to see how the imaginary lines dictate how you should arrange various elements and content in your frame. You learned to avoid centering anything important in the frame, either vertically or horizontally. You learned to avoid putting horizon lines along the center of a frame and to avoid putting two subjects or objects at the opposite ends of a picture. In this next installment of this Rule of Thirds saga, I'd like to introduce you to the importance of the intersections caused by the imaginary lines and reveal more about how to use the lines themselves when it comes to arranging your content. Take a look at the illustration below and see how the 4 lines create 9 sections and 4 intersections: 
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As I mentioned briefly the last time around, the focal point of your image should reside on or near one of the four interesections illustrated above by the red targets. If the subject takes-up a large part of the frame, then the most important aspect of the subject should be on or near an intersection. Which of the four intersections is the best? It really depends on what else is in the frame, where the negative space is, implied direction of movement, supporting lines and shapes...all of these things influence the decision of which Rule-of-Thirds intersection to choose.
At the end of the last tutorial, you saw the picture featured below without the yellow grid. Now let's take a look at it with the help of the Rule of Thirds guide in order to see what influenced the composition decisions the photographer made.
At the end of the last tutorial, you saw the picture featured below without the yellow grid. Now let's take a look at it with the help of the Rule of Thirds guide in order to see what influenced the composition decisions the photographer made.
The Rule of Thirds lines help the photographer decide where to place a subject.
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In this case, the entire face of the binocular is the focal point. It needs to be on one of the four intersections.
Because the subject is facing slightly toward the right, there should be more room toward the right side of the frame and less toward the left. The negative space on the right also gives the eye rest and helps make the subject stand out. |
In this "portrait", see how a photographer need not feature the entire face of a subject (human or not!!). Rule of Thirds can be helpful in traditional and unconventional arrangements.
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Switching to a vertical orientation, the same subject takes-on a completely different appearance. Whether or not you like the partial face seen in this version is a matter of personal preference, but both are perfectly acceptable from a artistic standpoint. Either way, the Rule of Thirds is observed.
What is the most important feature of a human face? The eyes, of course. This is why the "eyes" of the binocular are very near to the top third dividing line. At least one of the eyes is also in an area created by an intersection as shown above.
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Another thing to consider when using this rule is to think about any predominate lines or shapes in your image. Important vertical and/or horizontal lines should be on or close to the nearest imaginary thirds line. Take a look at some more examples below and see how the focal point or the most important aspect of a subject is positioned at or near a Rule of Thirds intersection. In the first example below, the old farm barn has a few features that guide the composition. Signs are hard to ignore and often become the focal point, whether the photographer intends it or not. In this photo, the old Christian farm sign is the focal point and is situated on an intersection as illustrated. The bottom row of windows is also an important feature that provides rhythm near the sign and it is situated near the bottom thirds line.
The rusty old spike on this abandoned railroad track is the focal point.
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Because of the left-facing and slightly upward direction of the spike, there must be more empty space in the general direction in which it is facing. Therefore the lower right intersection is the logical place to position the spike in the frame.
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This is a beautiful abstract image featuring soft, filtered natural light, short depth of field, the soft textural feel of fine leather and a sepia tone hue that compliments the scene. The picture has a feel that is relaxing, pensive and unassuming. But how did our photographer decide on the composition? See how the top of the chair (look at the sewn seam) shifts toward the left? The chair is on a slight diagonal as if it is inviting one to pull it out and have a seat. This suggests to the photographer that she or he needs to place that sewn seam as close as possible to the right vertical Rule of Thirds line. As well, the most focused part of the image - the seam at the foreground - should be at or near an intersection as shown below on the right.
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I'll be posting a final article/tutorial on Rule of Thirds in the coming days. Next time we'll take a look at the rule in relation to Portraiture. The human subject is, perhaps, one of the easiest subjects to frame using this rule and we'll use a variety of photos to illustrate the concepts.
Check back soon to catch my final submission in the Rule of Thirds 'saga'! I hope this is helpful in your quest to become a great photographer. If you have any suggestions for future articles or tutorials, or just have some feedback on this series, please drop me a line at: nathan.anderson@FreePhotoCourse (dot) com
Check back soon to catch my final submission in the Rule of Thirds 'saga'! I hope this is helpful in your quest to become a great photographer. If you have any suggestions for future articles or tutorials, or just have some feedback on this series, please drop me a line at: nathan.anderson@FreePhotoCourse (dot) com
So, the bottom line of this article/tutorial?
There are 4 Rule-of-Thirds intersections. Which one will support your focal point?
Check back for more Photo Composition Tips and Tutorials,
because we'll be adding more on a regular basis!
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