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Probably one of the most utilized tips for taking better pictures is the 'Rule of Thirds.' The 'Rule of Thirds' is a foundational principle of photographic composition that anyone teaching a beginner class on photography will talk about. The reason is because the 'Rule of Thirds' is easy to do and very effective.

 

So What is the Rule of Thirds?

Quite simply this rule is based on the principle that an image can be broken up into thirds. Below you will see an example of a 'Rule of Thirds' graph that demonstrates how a horizontal image can be broken up into thirds. (Note: This also works for vertical images as well).

 

 

The premise of the 'Rule of Thirds' states that this graph (or grid) offers photographers four focal points on a photograph that the eye is naturally drawn to, and therefore, offers a much more pleasing composition. You will notice that these 'focal points' are where each of the grid lines intersect.

 

 

With the 'Rule of Thirds' you can now take any photograph and create a pleasing composition by simply putting the main subject of the photograph within the range of these four focal points.

Look at the following three photographs that I took and notice how I placed my main subject near (or directly on) the focal points using this rule.

 

"War Eagle Bridge and Mill, Arkansas"

Nikon D60 and Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens - 34mm 1/500 second f/5, ISO 800

 

 

"Squirrelly"

Nikon D60 and Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras - 135mm 1/100 second f/5, ISO 800

 

 

"Glade Creek Mill"

Nikon D700 12.1MP and Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S IF - 35mm, 1/60seconds f/4, ISO 400

 

 

Each of these images had great subjects and all of the right ingredients to create a beautiful image. However, I firmly believe that by using the 'Rule of Thirds' I was able to create a more interesting story within the picture and a much more pleasing composition to look at. The 'Rule of Thirds' is not a cure-all to great photography, but it can certainly enhance your ability to take better pictures almost instantaneously.

So next time you are out taking photographs remember to use the 'Rule of Thirds' and you will notice that this simple photography trick has the potential of taking an ordinarily good image and making it really stand out!