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Photo Technique:What is Rule of Thirds ? Rule of Thirds Explained in Layman Term

9 February 2011 6 Comments

What is Rule of Thirds ? Rule of Thirds Explained in Layman Term

Rule of Third in Wedding Group Photography

So why did this post came about? I was at a Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner the other night and my cousin-in-law who  recently bought a very decent DSLR camera asked how can he take better pictures? A  bit of background first, my cousin-in-law has not heard of aperture nor speed.  OK….

I thought for a while on what  best I can share him then, and decided to start with Composition. And I truly belief if you can master the basic  Rule of thirds technique, you will instantly be a better photographer. At least by 26% icon smile Photo Technique:What is Rule of Thirds ? Rule of Thirds Explained in Layman Term

So what is Rule of thirds? Do Skip this following definition if you prefer simple English:)

rule of thirds Photo Technique:What is Rule of Thirds ? Rule of Thirds Explained in Layman Term

Rule of thirds create more emotions in an otherwise pretty simple shot

According to Wikipedia, the rule of thirds is a compositional rule of thumb in visual arts such as painting, photography and design.The rule states that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections.Proponents of the technique claim that aligning a subject with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the composition than simply centering the subject would.

Or in layman terms: imagine breaking an image down into thirds (both horizontally and vertically) so that you have 9 parts. And your focus point so be place at the intersections instead of the centre to create more energy, tension and interest.

Following are some samples on Rule of Thirds Application:

Rule of thirds Combined with a Foreground to create some Depth of Field

Rule of Thirds can be applied Vertically too

ruleofthirdstravel Photo Technique:What is Rule of Thirds ? Rule of Thirds Explained in Layman Term

Rule of Thirds applied in Travel Photography in this Shot at Lake Como

Simple? Yup, it is. Just need a lots of practice.  So take lots of pictures and share some before and after pictures with me k?

Let me know  if there is some other questions about photography I can help answer?

If you found this post helpful, and would like to be updated on future photography tips and techniques like this let’s get connected on TWITTER or FACEBOOK .

You may also be interested in the following post:

Photo Technique: How to photograph your Children?
Photo Technique: How to Extend your camera tripod more when it reaches it maximum height?

Thank you.

Till then, take it easy,

KIDCHAN

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6 Comments »

  • Tanya said:

    Hey Kid, Great tips! thanks for sharing:)

  • lightangel said:

    really like PIX #2!

  • Angie Tan said:

    I believe in the rule of thirds too!! Anyway, I have a problem “liking” the post. :(

  • kidchan (author) said:

    Tanya: Thanks!

    lightangel: Thanks i like that a lot too:)

    Angie: Thanks. hmmph……strange. Sorry about not being able to like it. share it with the FB button instead? :)

  • DLSL Photography said:

    Wow! That was me a few months ago (has not heard of aperture nor speed)! This is very good info, thank you!

  • kidchan (author) said:

    Thanks DLSL :)

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