Sunday Stills: The Rule of Thirds

by | 27 comments

What is the Rule of Thirds?

The basic principle behind the rule of thirds is to imagine breaking an image down into thirds (both horizontally and vertically) so that you have 9 parts. As follows.

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As you’re taking an image you would have done this in your mind through your viewfinder or in the LCD display that you use to frame your shot. With this grid in mind the ‘rule of thirds’ now identifies four important parts of the image that you should consider placing points of interest in as you frame your image. Not only this – but it also gives you four ‘lines’ that are also useful positions for elements in your photo.

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The theory is that if you place points of interest in the intersections or along the lines that your photo becomes more balanced and will enable a viewer of the image to interact with it more naturally. Studies have shown that when viewing images that people’s eyes usually go to one of the intersection points most naturally rather than the center of the shot – using the rule of thirds works with this natural way of viewing an image rather than working against it.

(Info Source: http://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds by Darren Rowse)

Orange Just the orange…  😉

Eagle-flight…its almost half..

Spreading-Clouds1/4?!?!?  🙁

Grasshopper This will do! 😀

Hope you all had a Great week! For more ‘rules of thirds’ click here.

27 Comments

  1. Ed

    Very well done and great shots!! 🙂

    Reply
  2. Nicisme

    Great shots, the fruit one is right up my alley!

    Reply
  3. chloe

    wonderful series of rule of thirds photos buddy 🙂

    Reply
  4. Steffie

    Great examples. That picture of the bird of prey is superb!

    Reply
  5. Janice

    Love your pics. I think I’m a little backwards, I must not look at photos like other people. The rule of thirds has the opposite effect on me, it makes me feel off kilter and at first I’m not sure what the main subject is……….oh well I have been told I’m …….to put it nicely a little different. Really enjoyed your pictures though ,have a great day.

    Reply
  6. dibear

    Great job Niv. Nice examples of the rule of thirds.

    Reply
  7. thecrazysheeplady

    These are very nice. Beautiful shots and nice subjects. Thanks for more info on the rule. And the examples. Well done!

    Reply
  8. Holly

    good job!

    Reply
  9. Colleen

    Just beautiful shots as usual. I love the bird in flight, and the sky shot is amazing. Not sure if I will get mine posted as I am on a weekend vacation with my sister. Will check out everyone elses though! Have a good day!

    Reply
  10. theegggather

    Very nice job. Thanks for he information and the examples. Your photos are always wonderful and creative.

    Reply
  11. Mellimaus

    WOW, awesome photos! They are all REALLY cool! I love the sky photo, and the last one is amazing! Great job!

    Reply
  12. Ebie

    Your photos are real awe-inspiring! Great macros and composition. Very well done for the theme. My favorite is the last one, that insect, is it a grasshopper or locust?

    Reply
  13. Shirley

    All fabulous. You are an inspiration to us wanna-be photographers; and thanks for the explanation.

    Reply
  14. Jennifer

    Wow you continually amaze me with your shots! They all seem to pop off the screen like I am actually seeing them in real life! Great job on explaining the rule of thirds. It sometimes seems confusing to me, I tend to want to center everything!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Mine are finally up too if you want to check them out.

    Reply
  15. Laughing Orca Ranch

    You nabbed it perfectly! All your photos are beautifully captured. Good job!

    ~Lisa

    Reply
  16. Regular Guy

    Awesome job again my friend. Love the bird in flight. The fruit is great too. Thanks for the definition too. Great job.

    Reply
  17. Andrea Baker

    Great use of the rule of thirds. I love the photo of the green orange.
    The shot of the eagle is beautiful!!! It flows very well.

    I’m curious how you get your logo onto your images. I love that look.

    Reply
  18. gigi

    Awesome job, thatnks.

    Reply
  19. flowerweaver

    The grasshopper is too cool! And I love the texture on the oranges. It is a fruit I can at least recognize LOL! Fantastic shots as always!

    Reply
  20. June

    Honestly……..!!!! Your pictures are always National Geographic-worthy!

    Reply
  21. Quinn

    As I scrolled down, I liked every better than the last… then I scrolled back up and it happened again. Perfect thirds with great subjects and great variety of the use of the thirds!

    Reply
  22. globetrotteri

    Hi Nivin,

    Yes, it’s been a while. But that made it all the more pleasant to stop by and see such an incredible collection for your latest post. Beautiful work, my friend. You’ve been busy!

    Reply
  23. kateri

    never heard of the rule of thirds before, but it makes sense. How you captured that bird is pretty incredible.

    Reply
  24. Beyond Bluestockings

    You know I would have to pick the eagle or the grasshopper as favourites, but……which one?!? They are all great shots, but the grasshopper – I’ve never seen one like that before. I’m not sure it would make me any less hysterical if it flew on me, but it is magnificent.

    Reply
  25. Far Side of Fifty Photos

    Well I loved the Eagle or whatever bird it is..fantastic! You are an excellent photographer..all your photos are perfect! 🙂

    Reply

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