Rule of thirds

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Thousand Islands region demonstrates the principles of the rule of thirds]

The rule of thirds is a compositional rule of thumb in photography and other visual arts such as painting and design. [cite book | title = Contemporary Quilts: Design, Surface and Stitch | author = Sandra Meech | publisher = Sterling Publishing | isbn = 0713489871 | year = 2007 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=_AIqGzgg6osC&pg=PA27&dq=design+%22rule+of+thirds%22&lr=&as_brr=3&ei=9XCIR7nEHIv8sQO0qMHQBQ&sig=B5yrx1XmZGXuCeLSrI09Wl2jt00#PPA25-IA8,M1 ] The rule states that an image can be divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines. The four points formed by the intersections of these lines can be used to align features in the photograph. Proponents of this technique claim that aligning a photograph with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the photo than simply centering the feature would.

The photograph to the right demonstrates the application of the rule of thirds. The horizon sits at the horizontal line dividing the lower third of the photo from the upper two-thirds. The tree sits at the intersection of two lines, sometimes called a "power point". Points of interest in the photo don't have to actually touch one of these lines to take advantage of the rule of thirds. For example, the brightest part of the sky near the horizon where the sun recently set does not fall directly on one of the lines, but does fall near the intersection of two of the lines, close enough to take advantage of the rule.

The application of the rule of thirds to photographs is considered by many to make them more aesthetically pleasing and professional-looking. The rule of thirds can be applied by lining up subjects with the guiding lines, placing the horizon on the top or bottom line instead of the center, or allowing linear features in the photograph to flow from section to section. In addition, many photographers recommend treating any "rule" of composition as more of a guideline, since pleasing photographs can often be made while ignoring one or more such rules.

Utilizing

When photographing or filming people, it is common to line the body up with a vertical line, and having the person's eyes in line with a horizontal one. If filming a moving subject, the same pattern is often followed, with the majority of the extra room being in front of the person (the way they are moving). [ [http://www.mapacourse.com/DVpages/leadroom.htm leadroom ] ]

This works so that the subject is not surrounded by too much empty space.

History

The rule of thirds appears as early as 1797 as a rule for proportioning scenic paintings. [cite book | title=Chromatics; or, The analogy, harmony, and philosophy of colours | first=George | last=Field | year=1845 | url=http://books.google.com/books?id=oBMEAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA47&dq=rule-of-thirds+date:0-1980&as_brr=3&ei=V36ORqTTK6DeoAKC4f2bCw | publisher=David Bogue, Fleet Street ]

See also

* Lead room

References

External links

* [http://www.digital-photography-tips.net/digital-photography-tutor-thirds.html Rule Of Thirds "how to"] How to use the rule of thirds
* [http://photospot2004.blogspot.com/2004/07/rule-of-thirds.html A simple explanation of Rule Of Thirds]
* [http://www.photo96.com/blog/?p=371 Rule Of Thirds explained with examples]