The rule of thirds is one if not the most common off-center composition technique used in photography... okay, let’s call it not a rule, but a guide… ?
At its most basic, therule guide of thirds states that placing the key elements on the thirds of a picture is more pleasing to the eye than for example centering the subject.
These thirds can be found by dividing an image in nine equal parts using two vertical and two horizontal lines which are equally spaced - these lines run along the thirds of an image:
(image taken from here)
Neurocognitive and vision science research shows that many viewers look at a picture/scene starting from the top left third first, the bottom left third next, then the top right, and lastly the bottom right.
Placing a focus on these thirds and/or on the intersection points often creates something many people perceive as pleasing.
So please share your photos! A shot or edit in which the subject of interest is on the left or right third of the image, a landscape scene with three dividing layers, a single main element with the background included - therule guide of thirds is here to support you!¹ ??
———here comes the friendly disclaimer ——————————
Please remember that these standard rules apply:
¹The rule of thirds is just one composition technique among many, and while one can achieve very pleasing results it’s certainly not meant to be used in every situation. ?
²as stated: its a guide - visual approximation is sufficient. Won’t check with a digital ruler. ?
At its most basic, the
These thirds can be found by dividing an image in nine equal parts using two vertical and two horizontal lines which are equally spaced - these lines run along the thirds of an image:
(image taken from here)
Neurocognitive and vision science research shows that many viewers look at a picture/scene starting from the top left third first, the bottom left third next, then the top right, and lastly the bottom right.
Placing a focus on these thirds and/or on the intersection points often creates something many people perceive as pleasing.
So please share your photos! A shot or edit in which the subject of interest is on the left or right third of the image, a landscape scene with three dividing layers, a single main element with the background included - the
———here comes the friendly disclaimer ——————————
Please remember that these standard rules apply:
- Do not comment, vote, react or click “like” on images prior to the winners being announced. In keeping with our most recent tradition, violators may be awarded first place. Henceforth this shall be known as the Molly-ing rule in honour of our friend and fellow perpetrator.
- The photographs must be your own work. Obviously the subject doesn’t however have to be your own work.
- This contest runs for one week. If in doubt, Clue is in the title.
- At the end of the week, The Judge will choose a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place photo, providing as much feedback as possible.
- If the Judge is unable to complete the selection within 48 hours of the deadline, then last week's 2nd place has to step in. 3rd place takes over should 2nd place be similarly unable to officiate.
- The 1st place Winner will start a new thread with the topic/theme of their choice, and act as the Judge for that contest. (Winner has 48 hours to create a new theme, after that it defers to 2nd place).
- Be sure to update the Contest Master List as soon as you post a new theme.
- Competition ends 24:00 CET time February 25
So please have fun!
Forage for something in your photo collection, or go out and take pictures, and/or edit something²… and share.
You have time till the 25th. Enjoy!
¹The rule of thirds is just one composition technique among many, and while one can achieve very pleasing results it’s certainly not meant to be used in every situation. ?
²as stated: its a guide - visual approximation is sufficient. Won’t check with a digital ruler. ?
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