The Rule Of Thirds
May 28, 2010
If you have been anywhere near photography and photographers before you have, no doubt, heard about the “Rule of Thirds.” But what is this rule, what does it mean and how do you use it?
When we take photographs of our children we want to capture something very special in the way they look, act or do something. And, when we get out our photographs to show friends and relatives, we want them to see the same thing in the photograph as we do.
This is why it is important to properly frame our image, and where the rule of thirds comes into play. We want to frame our image and place our subject in such a way that when someone takes our photograph and looks at it they immediately see the point of the photograph. This means placing the most important element in the image in such a way that the viewers eyes are naturally drawn to it.And, in photographing children, it is the image of the child we want the viewers eyes drawn to. We have already discussed the tendency of new photographers to place the image in the middle of the frame, and even fill the frame with that image. However, that may not be the best way to accomplish our goal.
The Rule of Thirds
Imagine for a moment that you were to draw four imaginary lines – two vertical and two horizontal – through our viewfinder onto the image we are framing. Like the image you see on the right. This will divide the frame into nine separate boxes with 4 interior corners where the lines intersect.
These are the “sweet spots” in your picture. If you place your child in any of these intersections you are bound to come up with an interesting photograph. Thumb through a magazine, look through a photography book, and you will quickly notice that this is where the subject of the photograph is usually placed.
That is why this is known as the “Golden Rule” of photography.
No matter where you look you will see that professional photographers follow this rule at least 75% of the time. And while the rule of thirds is relatively easy to do you may find it counterintuitive. Most amateurs try and place the focal point of their picture in the dead center of the frame.
Trust me here – there are few things in life more boring than looking at a bunch of photographs where the subject of the picture is in the center of the photograph.
While this rule is important remember there may be occasions when you want – or need – to break it. For example, assume your subject has a background full of people, strangers really, that would take away from the photograph. In this case you might want to fill the frame completely with just your subject.
Remember, keep taking lots and lots of photographs of your kids. You will be glad you did!
Betty Muscott, Child Photographer
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