The "rule of thirds board" isn't a physical object, but rather the conceptual grid used in the rule of thirds compositional technique, which resembles a tic-tac-toe board.
Understanding the Rule of Thirds Grid
The basic idea of the rule of thirds is to divide your picture into nine equal parts—like a tic-tac-toe board—and put the interesting parts either along the intersections—called focal points—or along the lines themselves. This simple concept helps photographers and artists create more balanced and dynamic compositions by guiding the placement of key elements.
How the Grid Works
Imagine overlaying your image with two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. These lines create:
- Nine equal sections: The image is divided into a 3x3 grid.
- Four intersection points: Where the horizontal and vertical lines cross. These are often considered the strongest points for placing subjects.
- Four lines: The horizontal and vertical lines themselves are also considered important placement guides.
Simply put: You don't need to center every picture you take!
Benefits of Using the Rule of Thirds
Using this conceptual grid can significantly improve the visual appeal of your work:
- Creates Balance: Off-centering the subject often leads to a more harmonious image.
- Adds Interest: Placing elements on the lines or intersections naturally draws the viewer's eye.
- Provides Guidance: It offers a starting point for composing your shot, especially when you're unsure where to place your subject.
- Enhances Storytelling: You can use the empty space created by placing a subject off-center to add context or a sense of scale.
Practical Application
Applying the rule of thirds "board" is straightforward:
- Visualize the Grid: Mentally overlay the 3x3 grid onto your scene through your camera's viewfinder, screen, or within editing software. Many cameras and phone apps offer an optional rule of thirds grid overlay.
- Identify Key Elements: Determine the most important subject or point of interest in your image.
- Align with Guidelines: Position your key element(s) along one or more of the four lines or, more effectively, at one of the four intersection points.
For example:
- In a landscape photo, place the horizon line along the lower or upper horizontal line, rather than through the middle.
- When photographing a person, position their eyes or head near one of the upper intersection points.
- For a photo of a winding road, align the road with a diagonal path that follows the grid lines.
Mastering the rule of thirds is a foundational step in improving photographic and visual composition, moving beyond simply centering everything.
