Digital Photography Tip #004 - Rule Of Thirds

What's that you ask. Well basically this rule tells you not to put your subject in the center of the photo. Move them off to the side or up or down.

Divide your view finder into a tic-tac-toe board. 3 rows and 3 columns (2 horizontal lines and 2 vertical lines intersecting). Try to place your subject on one of the intersecting lines of the board. This will give your photos a more interesting composition. See the example below.



You can also put the subject more to the top or bottom like this example.



Of course rules are meant to be broken and this one is no exception.




Sometimes a centered subject just works. Think of this as more of a guide than a rule. Use it and it will improve your photos immediately but know when it's ok not to use it as well.

Chris.