Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a compositional rule in visual arts such as painting, photography and design. The image in question should be divided into nine equal parts and that important parts, for example of a photograph should be placed on the lines or intersections. This is done because in creates more tension and energy within the photo as well as drawing the viewers eyes to the parts of importance. The photograph above demonstrates the rule of thirds, the horizon sits on the bottom most line and the tree is placed on the vertical right line. For the photograph to work it is not essential that the points of interrest sit on these lines but, any parts on the photo that wish to be made more direct to the viewer should sit near the lines. Here are some examples to display the rule of thirds in use.