Rule of Thirds

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The rule of thirds is an element of design that is commonly referenced in the scope of photography. This rule is based off of using a grid (whether mental or on the display of a camera) in order to place the objects of interest in a photograph within either parameters of the grid or on the lines of the grid. Using the rule of thirds grid, an image is separated into three equal parts both vertically and horizontally. The intended subject of the photograph is subsequently placed either on one of the lines of the grid or within a column or row that is formed by the grid lines. By doing so, the eye of the viewer is drawn towards whichever element has been placed within the parameters of the grid. Below I have compiled a variety of examples of the rule of thirds being used. To emphasize this element of design, I have included the grid on the images.

Side note: All of these photographs were taken in Bangkok, Thailand
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 Here, we have two subjects, each occupying their own third of the vertical space. The negative space on the left side of the photograph gives a sense of balance to the photograph as a whole.
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 Again, we see that 2/3 of the space is occupied and is then balanced by a negative space, this time on the right side of the photograph.
Screen Shot 2015-09-10 at 9.11.12 AMI’m sure that you can see a recurring theme here. While it doesn’t have to stick to the grid precisely, the general point of the rule of thirds is to have an asymmetrical balance to the photograph. The rule can be used to draw attention to a subject or element that the photographer wants to highlight.
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What do you think? Have you ever used the rule of thirds? Do you like the aesthetics of it or do you prefer a different placement scheme in your photographs? Let us know in the comments section.
– Hazel
Photos © 2015 Bryan Arroyo

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