Composing Great Photographs Using the Rule of Thirds

How do we know when we have a great composition in a photograph?

When we look at great works of art or photographs we've discovered a sense balance and harmony that exist within these images.

There are key principles in composition that guide us to creating better images. One of these is called the "Rule of Thirds".

This rule offers us a better placement for our subject to gain a better, "weight of importance" within our image. It anchors and directs our viewer to what we, as photographers want to emphasize; what is more important in the image.

Here are two sample images showing us the major differences when not using the Rule of Thirds vs. using it correctly.

As we can see in the better sample, each line that intersects is where we want to place our subject. It's within these points of intersection that give us a stronger sense to the "weight of importance" in our image, allowing the viewer a more pleasing composition.

Practicing using the Rule of Thirds in our everyday picture taking, our friends and family, or anyone for that matter, will notice something different and more creative in our images.

This simple rule will help strengthen our photography.

Today, the Rule of Thirds grid is included with most cameras as a feature we can turn on as an overlay, on our viewing screens. This principle so important to composition, that Apple is now including this grid on the latest iPhones.

Once you start using it, you will see the world differently and strengthen our photographs. We encourage everyone to use this principle the very next time you take a photograph and feel confident you are now achieving a better composition.

For the best tips about digital photography go to: http://www.digital1to1.com

by Ken and Santino -- The "Photo Guys"
Digital Photography Made Simple™