THE RULE OF THIRDS

Although every image or idea begins with a degree of uncertainty, there is one constant: Rarely does a composition succeed if the space and elements in a scene are divided equally in half. By splitting the frame into two equal parts-for example, with the horizon line-you run the risk of recording a composition that is undefined and, subsequently, indecisive.

When objects and subjects are treated equally, they often-although not always-cancel one another out. In the sports world, for example, games rarely end in ties; there are extra innings, overtime periods, and "sudden death" extra plays to determine a winner. In the political arena, as people in America have witnessed in the past, a presidential election cannot end in a tie either. When it does, chaos reigns supreme. Similarly, in photographic composition the eye demands that a clear "winner"-one element in the frame that clearly has more importance than the others-be conveyed. Breaking up the space within the frame into any combination of thirds helps the photographer do this.

Did you know that most people are more comfortable with odd numbers than with even ones? At the craps tables in Las Vegas, lucky seven or lucky eleven are the numbers of choice. And among odd numbers, the favorite is the number three. Think of the Three Musketeers, Three Blind Mice, the Three Stooges, and the Three Little Pigs. There are three Charlie's Angels; three Power Puff Girls; and Huey, Dewey, and Louie (Donald Duck's nephews). Lest we forget, the third time's a charm, (and speaking of charm, lets not forget that the television series Charmed, starred three sisters) and of course in baseball, ( as well as for felonys) it's three strikes and you're out. Do you suppose all of this use of three's has something to do with our psychology and the way we 'see'?

It seems that this is something the Greeks figured out long ago and a point that is continually proven by the continuing influence of the Rule of Thirds. Breaking up the space within the frame into any combination of thirds helps the photographer do thisand since we are dealing with THREE's here, (or thirds if you prefer), it should come as no surprise that most of us DO favor the visual balance and tension that is created by ODD numbers or fraction.

As photographers, our choices are many but perhaps no decision is more important then determining the most effective composition. When shooting landscape compositions for example, get in the habit of of asking yourself a few questions: What should I include or exclude? Will the main subject be in the left third or right third? Is the emphasis, ("the winner") going to be above or below the horizon line?

When it comes to landscape photography, the question of horizon line placement is paramount and the answer is a simple one most of the time: If interest is greatest above the horizon line, than place the horizon line near the bottom third and if interest is greatest below the horizon line, than place the horizon line near the top third. And if should have one of those landscapes where it 'works' with the horizon line near the top third or bottom third, then shoot it both ways.

Source: Bryan Peterson