Before I get started with this post, I want to say that I never, in a million years, thought I would be writing about photography. It has been such a struggle for me and I still consider myself a beginner. I have, however, figured a few things out and learned a few lessons. I have taken classes at the Photography School of Hard Knocks and actually done quite well. (Don’t laugh.)
One of the reasons I started this blog in the first place was to connect with people like me. People who love DIY, their homes and a good challenge. I have met so many of you who have shared your frustration with the process of becoming a photographer. With that in mind, I want to share my simplified understanding of The Rule of Thirds.
I am a believer in the online photography classes available at Shoot Fly Shoot. (affiliate link) The Photography 101 class really changed everything for me. SFS also has a blog where Kevin Palmer shares his knowledge and experience. I found his definition of the Rule of Thirds and here it is:
“If an image is divided into nine equal parts, the compositional elements that run along the lines or at the intersections are more pleasing to the eye.”
Honestly, I really didn’t get it. I made it so much more complicated than it actually was. When I saw a photo divided into those nine sections, my eyes would glaze over. Until, that is, I saw this image by Jim Zuckerman.
I’ve talked before about my photography light bulb moments. This was another one. To me, the composition of this image is OFF CENTER. In other words, the cheetah is not in the middle. As you can see, the lines run directly along the cheetah as do the intersection points. I know I have sort of a thick head, but it wasn’t until I saw this picture that I really got it.
I looked back through some of my own pictures and found a few that follow the Rule of Thirds…and I shot these without even knowing what I was doing.
I do love these three photos and it’s probably because of the interesting composition. So…don’t worry about big words like intersections and compositional elements. Here are a few words that to me, totally explain the Rule of Thirds. Your main focus of the image should be:
Off Center
Not Centered
Left of Center
Right of Center
I hope this has helped at least of few of you. Try this out and don’t worry about those pesky 9 squares…but if you think they might help, you can add them to your camera monitor. My friend Dawn, from Creative Cain Cabin, showed me how to do it. It’s in your camera menu and it’s called Grid Display. Who knew? Thanks for stopping by…I’ll see you in a day or so!
Visit my FAQs & Sources page to see what camera equipment I use.
patty says
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at 9:20 amI love this Ann and didn’t know about it. I use my iPhone and just set the grid display. Thanks for this great post! And your pics are great!
olivia says
Friday, May 23, 2014 at 10:49 pmThis made me laugh. Such a great blog post and so simple. I have been doing some photography 101 classes also. The rule of thirds is one of the crossover rules. Meaning it crosses over into all art and all decor and design as well. I’m in architecture and interior design through AAU too. It’s astounding how such a simple thing can be made to be so complex by using field terminology. Seriously, just speak little words and then the big ones make sense. Right?!
[email protected] says
Monday, May 19, 2014 at 11:34 amThis has helped, like you I’ve been learning through the school of knocks! But still struggle so, I want the best photos I can take, but I never (might seem odd) want my blog to look like a high end magazine! Just not what I’m looking for.
Kristine says
Sunday, May 18, 2014 at 11:35 amBefore I even finished reading this post, I grabbed my phone, opened Settings
on the camera mode, and voila! Guidelines! Amazing– thank you so much for this valuable tidbit!
Sue J says
Thursday, May 15, 2014 at 4:00 amAh ha! So THAT’S what it means! lol Thanks so much for sharing Ann. I’ll be keeping this tip in mind. Now to improve my lighting… :-)
Lisa says
Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 9:22 pmGreat tips Anne ~ if I can find the grid on my phone and figure it out ~ I will use your tips!!! Thanks so much!
MaryJean says
Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 9:14 pmThanks for the hints! I plan on looking for the grid on my camera. What a great tool! That could why some of my photos turn out great and others don’t, duh! :)
Dori Troutman says
Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 7:16 pmI really loved this post Ann. Did you take the course from Shoot Fly Shoot? I’ve thought about for a long time and many times think I should sign up and I don’t. If you took it, do you recommend it? I have heard really good things from others and see in your comments that one of your readers took all the classes. I guess I better think more seriously about it! I always love your photography Ann, we talk about it often! :-) Hugs – Dori –
Charlotte says
Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 7:02 pmThanks for the information…very helpful.
marilyn says
Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 6:32 pmSo, photography is more like decorating than I thought. Excellent article.
Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says
Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 5:39 pmJust put the grid lines on my phone! Thanks Ann!
Pamela Gordon says
Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 5:38 pmI have heard of the rule of thirds but don’t usually pay attention to it. Hmm. Guess I’ll be checking out my camera settings. Thanks for this lesson Ann.
Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says
Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 5:34 pmAnn, you have a way of simplifying things so that I can understand them! :) I plan to take the Shoot Fly Shoot classes, and when I get around to that, I’ll use your affiliate link!
Donnamae says
Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 5:17 pmMy iPad camera has the grid…but I’ve never seen that on my camera! Thanks Ann! ;)
Dawn says
Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 1:54 pmI always have my grid turned on even in my phone. It’s a great tool.
Ann Drake says
Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 2:09 pmOK…so how do you turn on the grid?
Penny @ The Comforts of Home says
Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 1:01 pmI took all of Shoot Fly Shoot classes and learned so much. Your three shots are lovely Ann.