Making use of the rule of thirds can promote most any common photographer to the following stage. The thought is to section the scene into thirds, each horizontally and vertically. Robust horizontal objects ought to line up with (or be “shut” to) every of the highest and backside division traces within the body. Equally, sturdy vertical objects ought to line up with the appropriate or left division traces within the body.
The 4 cross-sections the place every of the six dividing traces intersect are potential “anchor factors” the place you place one thing, whether or not it’s merely an intersecting line (such because the horizon), or an precise topic (akin to a doorway, automobile, mild, or individual).
The “rule of thirds” is a suggestion solely, topic to inventive judgment; not each anchor level wants an object, and never each scene has a horizon. Like studying to drive, “seeing” scenes this fashion could seem concerned while you first strive, but it surely doesn’t take lengthy earlier than it’s second nature and also you don’t even give it some thought anymore.
–Picture and ideas by Dan Heller from his e-book Digital Journey Images.