It turns out that a professional camera is not the key to high-quality photography. It turns out that Photoshop is sometimes not enough to correct errors when shooting. It becomes known that the work of a photographer is no less easy than any other, as it requires a huge amount of knowledge, skills, and abilities. The rules of thirds in photography are just one aspect, but every self-respecting photographer must take them into account. What are they and how to use them correctly?
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The rules of thirds in photography come under It is a kind of photographic art.
As an important component, the rule of thirds in photography, examples of its use will be discussed below, is applicable to almost any chosen genre. It is well suited for both landscape and landscape painting. This makes it a versatile weapon for hitting high-quality targets straight to the top.
Is it worth following blindly?
Definitely not. Strict and strict adherence to the rules does not lead to good things in art, but the three-thirds rule in photography can always be the starting point for creating a masterpiece.
And in order to use it correctly, you need to properly understand what it is, what advantages it gives the creator, what is its appeal and how with its help it achieves that ideal balance that any photographer strives for.
Balance in everything!
Balance is something that is everywhere in nature. Everything natural strives for balance, therefore it should also be achieved in the artificial. Ultimately, everything that a person does is just a reflection of what already exists in nature. He draws his ideas from her, she is his best assistant and adviser.
The term “photo artist” was already used a little higher. Everything is clear from the photo, but why was this second half of this definition chosen? Well, in a sense, a photographer is also an artist, holding in his hand instead of a brush famous instrument. To get good result, it is not enough for him to simply press the shutter button and capture the moment: before that, he must evaluate the composition of the future frame. It is a pity that not everyone understands this, but nevertheless it is so.
What is composition?
Roughly speaking, composition is a whole set of different techniques that help to correctly place objects. The correct arrangement will allow the individual particles to assemble into a whole picture, which, in fact, will be pleasant to look at. The rule of thirds is the main component of the composition along with diagonals and so on.
Essentially, the rule of thirds is a simplified version of the golden ratio. The original version used more complex calculations, closely related to Fibonacci numbers. The golden ratio is one of the principles that any photographer must also know, but this article is about thirds.
What is the rule of thirds?
Mentally dividing the image into nine parts (3 x 3 - three vertically, a similar number horizontally), moreover, they must be equal - this is a description of the rule of thirds. It's important in photography. The division described is a grid of two horizontal and Objects should be placed at or along their intersections.
What's the idea?
When using this principle, usually the rule of thirds, the photo becomes more pleasing to the eye and more natural, because its important elements are not located directly in the middle of the frame. It also gives more space for imagination and fantasy.
The photograph does not change dramatically, but it adds significance to the subject. What is this based on? When a person looks at the picture as a whole in reality, focusing on one thing, he at the same time needs that the surrounding elements do not interfere, but are combined with the object. Of course, such a description is not suitable for a momentary glance, but a long gaze into the distance suggests exactly this. The photographer's task is to express what the viewer should pay attention to (what should have been focused on will be focused on the frame, because using the focus of your own eye on the final result will no longer work). In this case, placing the object directly in the center, which comes to mind first, is a very crude solution to the problem and, as mentioned above, very unnatural, like a lie sewn with white thread.
How can it be used?
You should mentally imagine a grid, highlight important elements of the future frame and place them near the lines. It is worth remembering that there may not be a perfect match, but an approximate one must be achieved. The grid is the supporting component for shooting. This is art, and therefore there cannot be any “exactly on point”. You can “play” with the lines and arrange the composition at your discretion. If time and technique allow, you can take several different shots to compare the results and see the difference. Without understanding the idea itself, nothing will come of it, and blind adherence will lead to the fact that all the photographs will be taken as if according to the same pattern. But that's the beauty of the rule of thirds in photography: it's so simple, so universal, and yet gives you so many ways to use it. Everything ingenious is simple. The same comparison with nature: it’s like a sunset, the beauty of which is so undeniable that people have been admiring it for thousands of years, but it’s different every day. But from metaphors let's return to reality.
It may be necessary to change the position from which the photograph will be taken. It's nothing. Taking a balanced and thoughtful approach to photography is a great habit. Yes, modern technology allows you to “click” up to a hundred frames in a minute, but at such moments it will be very useful to remember the photographers who worked with film, when each frame was incredibly valuable, and you had to calculate its parameters at random, never knowing what would turn out in the end, and it will turn out at all.
Help for the photographer
Manufacturers of some cameras stand up for their users by adding to the device the ability to turn on and substitute a grid. This is a visual representation, and a photographer can master the three-thirds rule in photography without imagining the lines in their minds.
By the way, interesting fact: The rule is common as the three-thirds principle. This is not entirely true. In fact, this is the two-thirds rule in photography. But it doesn’t matter what you call it, it’s important how you apply it. The tips below for each type of photo will help with this.
As mentioned just above, versatility is the rule of thirds. Portrait or landscape, or macro photography, or moving objects - it is applicable everywhere.
For a landscape, it is better to place the horizon along one of the grid lines, and not in the middle, so as not to create the feeling of splitting the photo frame into two equal halves. The foreground object sets the focal point and should also be placed according to the principle of the rule. If the object is large, it is better to move it to the side so that it does not break the picture in two.
When a person looks at a portrait, he always pays attention to the eyes of the man (or woman, child, etc.) depicted in the photo. That’s why the focus should be on them, and it’s best to place them on the top horizontal line of the grid.
For a moving object, it is good to leave space on the side that is the direction of movement.
When photographing a person in full height It would be a good idea to place it along one of the vertical grid lines.
Power points
Despite the fact that the principle of the rule itself is based on equal division, it is known that the lower right point has a stronger impact than the lower left. This means that if a photograph has several objects, the most important one should be placed near the first named intersection.
Cropping as a way to improve your photography
Common people are accustomed to removing unnecessary details from the overall picture. Masters remove them in Photoshop using their secret techniques, since cropping (the same cropping, in essence) gives an advantage in a different way. After all, thanks to it, you can force the frame to inherit the rules of thirds. "Photoshop" or another can improve big picture in this simple way, by moving the subject to a more suitable place in accordance with the rule.
Rules are made to be broken
And the rule of thirds is no exception. Yes, it is the basis of the composition, but if you feel it, this very composition, intuitively, then by violating the principle described above, you can get something interesting, perhaps even brighter and more expressive than what would have happened with it. No one forbade experimenting! It's even useful.
But here's the thing: in order to break a rule to your advantage, you must first learn to follow it.
The Rule of Thirds is a powerful compositional technique for making photographs more interesting and dynamic. In addition, he is perhaps one of the most famous. This article demonstrates with examples how and why this rule works, when it's appropriate to break it, and how to make the most of it to improve the quality of your photography.
General concepts
The rule of thirds states that an image looks most interesting when the objects or areas depicted in it are separated by imaginary lines that divide the image into thirds - both vertically and horizontally:
It's actually extremely funny that a rule that seems like a mathematical rule can apply to something as varied and subjective as photography. But it works, and surprisingly well. The Rule of Thirds is all about aesthetic compromise. It often creates a sense of balance - without making the image too static - and a sense of complexity - without overwhelming the image.
Examples of the rule of thirds
Well, you may have seen its usefulness - but the previous example was simple and extremely geometric. How does the rule of thirds work with more abstract subjects? Let's see if you can spot it in the following picture:
Notice how the tallest rock formation (tuff pillar) falls into the right third, and the horizon line corresponds to the top third. The darker stone in the foreground is also aligned with the bottom and left thirds of the photo. Even in an apparently abstract photograph there can be a reasonable degree of order and organization.
Does this mean you should worry about aligning all significant elements of the image neatly in thirds? Optional - this is just a rough guide. What is usually most important is not to place the main subject or area directly in the center of the photo. For landscapes, this usually means the horizon line in the upper or lower thirds. For product photography, this usually means moving the subject to either side. This can make landscapes much more dynamic and give subjects a sense of direction.
In the examples above, the cyclist is more or less placed in the left third as he moves to the right. Likewise, a bird off-center gives the impression that it could fly to the right at any moment. Decentering a composition is a powerful means of conveying or expressing movement.
Enhancing your photos by cropping
So far we've looked at pictures that satisfy the rule - but what if they don't? Is it possible to give them interesting view? Possibly, but usually not. The following set of examples shows situations where framing to comply with a rule provides a clear improvement. It's amazing how easy it is to breathe life into old photo something as simple as framing.
IN in this example part of the clear sky was cropped so that the horizon lined up with the top third of the image - increasing the emphasis on the foreground and mountains.
Restrictions
What if there is simply nothing to align in thirds in the frame? Although rare, this can happen in extremely abstract compositions. However, the "spirit of the rule" can still be applied: giving the photo a sense of balance without making it overly static and frozen.
In the example on the right, there is not a single line in the object that could be aligned with thirds. It's possible that the C-shaped illuminated area could be classified as the top, middle, and bottom thirds, but that would probably be a stretch. Either way, the photo is on average brighter on the left than on the right - essentially creating a decentered composition.
Violation of the rule of thirds
An example of useful symmetry
By this time free spirit And creative artist, as you probably are, will probably feel somewhat constrained by the seeming rigidity of this rule. However, all rules exist to be broken sooner or later - and this particular one is no exception. It's time to release our inner protest. A rule is useful where it is useful.
The central principle of the rule of thirds is that placing the subject in the center of the photo is not ideal. But what if you want to express the symmetry of an object? This is exactly what the example on the left does.
Likewise, there are many other situations in which it is better to ignore the rule of thirds than to apply it. For example, you may want to make your subject appear more confrontational. Or, let's say, upset the balance.
It is important to ask yourself: what is special about the subject of the photograph that I want to highlight in it? What mood do I want to convey? If the rule of thirds helps you achieve your goals, use it. If not, don’t let it interfere with your composition.
About the rule of thirds in photography or, as it is also called, golden ratio many articles have been written. What this rule is based on can be easily found and read on the Internet (I recommend , and also watch the video at the end of the lesson). I'll get straight to the point.
Rule of thirds (golden ratio) is a grid of two vertical and two horizontal lines. They intersect at four points (in the figure below they are numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4). These points indicate where a person is looking when looking at a photograph.
Man is designed in such a way that he cannot look at one point and receive maximum information from it. His brain commands his eyes to “run around” and collect piece by piece information about the world around us, after which the brain puts the picture together and produces the final result. It's the same with photography. When we look at it, we involuntarily begin to run our eyes from one part to another, that is, we look at the photograph.
The four dots in the middle are a scientifically and psychologically calculated fact where the average person looks first. First it is point number one, then two, three and four.
Therefore, the composition of the frame must be constructed so that the main subject of the photograph is at the intersection with at least one of these points. Let's look at images from experienced photographers with a grid superimposed on them:
Photo: tsunami in Japan. The fire is at the intersection of the third point.
More works and his biography are available.
Photo: banner of victory over the Reichstag. Here the focus is on the flag itself and the soldier who holds it.
There is another tricky trick to this rule.
Again, it is scientifically established that a person looks at the lower right corner in last resort. Therefore, photographers, to make a surprise, add some detail to this corner, which becomes the main thing. actor/subject, but we do not immediately notice it. Let's look at an example:
Photo: fromThe image of a deceased military man lies at his coffin at the funeral. The dog does not get the center of attention. We will not pay attention to her first, but she is the main character (face) of the photograph.
How to compose a shot using the rule of thirds
If you cannot mentally imagine this grid while taking photographs, you can use the technical assistance of your camera. Of course, not on all, but on many models you can enable automatic display of this grid in the settings. If there is no such thing and it doesn’t work out very well by eye, then we go to Photoshop or its analogues.
In Photoshop there is , designed for cropping photographs, that is, to correct the composition of the frame. If your photoshopversions up to CS5 inclusive, then in the options bar you can select the framing set - 1/3 rule:
It is somewhat different from the one I showed in the examples above, but the principle of operation is the same:
That is, in in this case vertical and horizontal lines are equally spaced from each other. In general, this is what this grid is called - rule of thirds. And the examples above were analyzed on a grid - golden ratio rule.
In Photoshop CS6 version and above, a richer menu of options for framing rules has appeared, including golden ratio:
Open a photo and select any of the two frames. Imagine it in the picture and dream up what you want to highlight in this frame as the most important thing. I opened a photo from my recent trip to the GAZ automobile museum (Nizhny Novgorod). The central subject of the photo will be the deer. I placed the grid so that both points were on it:
Using this framing, I cut off the excess, which does not affect the intent of the photo in any way, and the deer also received the correct and harmonious place. As a result, this is the composition of the frame:
(click to enlarge)
Conclusion
Certainly, this rule Not suitable for every photo, because there are many other rules for frame composition. The meaning is different. Thanks to this knowledge, you can find the correct (and therefore harmonious) and beautiful arrangement of your subject/subjects in each of your shots.
For example, lonely standing tree begs to be placed in the very center of the frame. But if you nevertheless move it closer to the edge, to one of the vertical lines, then you will suddenly feel that very desired artistic note. As a result, your photo will look completely different - the way it should.
And finally, a video from a seminar where the lecturer is quite accessible language will explain once again what this rule is. Enjoy watching!
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The Rule of Thirds is one of the fundamental photography techniques. Applying it to any subject in the frame will improve the composition and balance of your photo.
The Rule of Thirds is considered one of the most useful compositional techniques in photography. Be sure to learn this concept because it works for all types of shots and always helps create a more attractive and better-balanced image.
Of course, you shouldn’t blindly follow the rules - especially when we're talking about about art. Consider the rule of thirds not a dogma, but rather a flawed but simple and, in many cases, acceptable approach. And yet, more often than not, it only makes a photo better and serves as an excellent starting point when creating a composition.
Rule of Thirds - what is it?
The rule of thirds involves the photographer mentally placing a grid of two horizontal and two vertical lines over the image, as shown below. Important elements of the composition are then placed along these lines or at the points where they intersect.
The rule of thirds is the grid. Important elements(the house and the boundary between the ground and the trees) are located along the lines and at the intersection.
The idea is that an off-center composition has more visual appeal and looks more natural than if the subject is placed directly in the center of the frame. It also encourages the photographer to use negative space creatively ( free space around the subject).
How to use the Rule of Thirds
When choosing a frame, imagine that the image is divided into cells, as described above. Think about what are the most important elements in the photo and try to place them on the lines or intersections of the grid.
The horizon line and subject in this photo were placed near grid lines or intersections.
You may have to walk around your subject, looking for the best composition. This is a good habit to get into, whether you use the rule of thirds or not, because it ensures that you get a well-thought-out shot.
Some cameras have added an option that overlays a grid on the image in the viewfinder, making it much easier to choose the best composition.
Examples of photos using the Rule of Thirds
The universality of the rule of thirds allows it to be applied to any object. Below are examples of how this approach can be used effectively on different types of images.
Place the horizon along one of the horizontal grid lines.
In the case of landscape photographs It is customary for the horizon line to pass through the center of the frame, but this way you risk getting a “split in two” photo. It is better to place the horizon along one of the horizontal grid lines.
Try adding another interesting object - like the tree in the photo above - and position it in the frame according to the rule of thirds. This will create a natural compositional center in the photo, a focal point.
Place the person on one side of the frame.
It's a good idea to place a person on one side of the frame. There will be free space, you will show what surrounds this person, and the photo will no longer look like “the police are looking for them.”
The viewer's attention is most often drawn to the eyes of the people in the photo. Make sure that in the frame they are at the intersection of the grid lines drawn up according to the rule of thirds - this will give the photo a clear focal point.
The main object was placed on one of the grid nodes.
Here the main object was placed on one of the grid nodes, as well as along vertical line. The branch, one might say, goes along the upper horizontal line. Due to the free space at the bottom left, the photo looks balanced and not overcrowded with compositional elements.
Vertical objects can also split a photo in two.
Vertical objects like this lighthouse can also split a photo in two. To avoid this, do not place them in the center of the composition.
Leave more space in front of an object than after it.
When photographing moving objects, place them in the frame as usual, but pay attention to the direction of movement. General rule This is: leave more space in front of the object than after it, so that it is clear where it is going.
Using editors
The rule of thirds can easily be applied to existing photographs by cropping out any excess. This way you will change the position of important objects, moving them to a more pleasing point in the composition.
The rule of thirds is easy to apply to existing photographs.
To make your task easier, programs seem to have a built-in function “ crop guide overlays" It overlays a rule-of-thirds grid over the image, which allows for better targeting while cropping the photo.
Rules are made to be broken
Like any other rule (at least in photography), the rule of thirds does not apply in every situation. Sometimes breaking it can create a much more attractive and interesting photo. Experiment, try it various options compositions, even if they go against all the “rules” you have learned.
However, before you break the rule of thirds, learn how to use it effectively. Then you can confidently say that you are committing violations not without reason, but solely for the sake of a better composition.
Not long ago we talked about the golden ratio rule and how you can frame a photo after it has been taken. But when you're shooting, you're unlikely to have the time or opportunity to superimpose a Fibonacci spiral onto your photo. So master the rule of thirds to do nice pictures, as close as possible to the golden ratio rule.
Rule of thirds in photography
Mentally divide the photo into two horizontal lines and two vertical ones. Objects that you want to focus on in the frame should be placed at or along the intersection of these four lines. This rule works especially well during landscape photography.
This fairly simple rule will allow you to take successful pictures. The rule of thirds has been successfully applied in photography, drawing and design.
Moreover, if there is only one object in your photo, place it on the left side of the frame. The fact is that viewers have a habit of viewing images from left to right, which is developed by reading.
If there are several key subjects in the photo, place the dominant subject at the bottom right point. This frame layout takes into account the fact that a person best perceives information received at the beginning and end of viewing. Even news broadcasts are built on this principle, reviewing all the stories at the beginning of the program and leaving the most neutral story for the finale in order to soften the perception of negative news, of which the majority is present in the report.
It’s the same in photography: when looking at your photograph, a person will best perceive the latest information received. This point is especially important to consider when photographing images with emotional overtones.
Rule of thirds in portraiture
The rule of thirds also works when shooting portraits. The main emphasis can be placed on the model’s eyes or smile. So, in the first photo, what catches your eye first is the girl’s expressive gaze, while in the photo below the main emphasis is on the boy’s smile.