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Jesse's Hunting > Hunting Articles > Hunting Articles Archives > The Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds
Chris Fullilove - JHO Pro Staff
December 15, 2003
Typically when one picks up a camera to photograph a subject, they center the subject in the middle of the frame and press the shutter. It is almost instinct to center the frame around the subject. It makes sense, that is what you want to photograph, therefore you place it front and center in the frame.
Allow me to introduce to you a popular guideline to follow when photographing your next trophy or dramatic sunset. It is called the Rule of Thirds. Image dividing your frame up like a tic-tac-toe board. What you do is place important aspects of your subject along the vertical, horizontal, and/or line intersections rather than in the middle of the frame.
Kick it up a notch
Take a look at the example to the right. While any photograph of this beautiful animal would be a great photograph, lets kick it up a notch. Notice how the left vertical line cuts right down the animal's center. Next, notice how the top horizontal line cuts across the eyes. Typically in animal shots, the eyes are a focal point, therefore placing the eyes along one of the lines of division or along an intersection is recomended. Even the bottom line, to a lesser degree, is situated so that it coincides with the horizontal flow of the darker brown grasses behind the animal.
- eyes are in the upper left intersection
- neck and body follow the left vertical division
- top horizontal coincides with the grass and tree intersection
- bottom horizontal coincides with the change in grass colors
How does the Rule of Thirds work?
Basically, using the rule of thirds helps to balance a photo. It enables various elements to complement each other in regards to spacial layout in a manner that is pleasing to the eye. It also helps to ensure that your subject is not swamped by empty space. One thing to note is that the rule of thirds is not an absolute. It is only a guide, yet an easy one to follow which can enable visually pleasing photographs.
Some tips
- Place the eyes in one of the upper intersections.
- Place the horizon along one of the horizontal bars.
centered/straight across the middle and too much empty space |
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kicked up a notch and horizon on lower third |
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~ Chris Fullilove
JHO field writer & pro staff
See more of Chris's photography at http://www.whitetail-photography.com
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