A Beginner's Guide to the Rule of Thirds for Photography
Introduction to the rule of thirds
Welcome to your guide on the rule of thirds in photography!
The rule of thirds is an excellent starting point for photographers looking to improve their compositions. You can apply it to various subjects, including wildlife, portraits, landscapes, and more.
While it is a helpful guideline, it is essential to remember that it is not a hard-and-fast rule. There are many other composition techniques that photographers can use.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the rule of thirds in photography, including:
How to use the rule of thirds in photography
Tips for using the rule of thirds in your own photography
The rule of thirds for wildlife photography
Examples of the rule of thirds in action
By the end of this guide, you will have a better understanding of the rule of thirds and how it can help you take stunning photographs.
What is the rule of thirds?
The rule of thirds and the power points at the line intersections.
The rule of thirds is a fundamental principle of photography that suggests dividing an image into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines.
It designates four power points at the intersection of each grid line. Photographers can create more balanced and pleasing compositions by positioning key elements along these lines or at their intersections.
How to use the rule of thirds in photography
Little egret | Nikon D500 + Nikon 300mm f/2.8 + 2x TC | ISO 720, 1/500, f/5.6 @ 600mm
Now that you understand the rule of thirds in photography, here are a few tips to help you apply it to your work:
Divide your frame: Start by dividing your frame into the nine equal parts. Position your subject along one of the lines or at their intersection to create balance and lead the viewer's gaze to the subject.
Place your horizon on a third: If your photograph includes a horizon line, place it along one of the horizontal lines to add dynamism to the photograph.
Don’t center your subject: Avoid placing the subject directly in the center of the frame, as this can make the image look static and unbalanced.
Give your subject space to look into: When photographing an animal or person, try allowing two-thirds of the space for the subject to "look into" and place the point of interest at an intersection of the lines. This creates a sense of direction.
Pay attention to the negative space: Be mindful of the negative space in your photograph. This area around the subject helps balance the composition and provide context for it. It can be helpful to shoot a little wider and allow space for fine-tuning the composition with cropping later to provide more flexibility for composition.
Turn on the grid overlay on your camera: Many cameras can display a grid overlay in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. This can be a helpful visual aid when composing your shots and applying the rule of thirds.
Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice using the rule of thirds, the more intuitive it will become. Feel free to experiment with different compositions and see how they work for other subjects and situations.
Pay attention to the negative space: In addition to positioning the subject along the lines or at the intersections, be mindful of the negative space in your photograph. This area around the subject helps balance the composition and provide context for it.
Consider the mood or theme of the photograph: Different compositions will work better for different subjects and situations. Consider the picture’s mood or theme of the picture and how the composition can support it.
By following these tips and practicing the rule of thirds, you can improve the compositions of your photographs and create more balanced, dynamic images.
Tips for using the rule of thirds in your own photography
White-tailed deer | Nikon D700 + Nikon 200-500mm | ISO 2500, 1/100, f/5.6 @ 500mm
The rule of thirds for wildlife photography
Green heron | Nikon D700 + Nikon 200-500mm | ISO 5600, 1/250, f/5.6 @ 500mm
As a wildlife photographer, the rule of thirds can help create a sense of place and context for the animal subject.
Here are a few tips for using the rule of thirds in wildlife photography:
Consider the direction the animal is facing: When photographing an animal, pay attention to the direction it is facing. Use the rule of thirds to allow the animal to "look into" the frame.
Place the animal at an intersection or along a line: Positioning the animal at an intersection or along one of the lines of the rule of thirds grid can create a balanced composition and lead the viewer's gaze to the subject.
Use the surrounding environment: Consider the surrounding environment and how you can use it to create context for the animal. Negative space can be especially effective for this purpose.
By implementing these tips on the rule of thirds in your wildlife photography, you can create more impactful photos that showcase the beauty of the animals around you.
Examples of the rule of thirds in action
Now that you have a better understanding of how to use the rule of thirds, let's examine some examples of this principle in action.
Here are a few examples for wildlife photography:
Raccoon | Nikon D4 + Nikon 300mm f/2.8 | ISO 5600, 1/200, f/2.8
Great blue heron | Nikon D500 + Nikon 200-500mm | ISO 3600, 1/2000, f/5.6 @ 340mm
Egyptian goose | Nikon D500 + Nikon 300 PF + 1.4x TC | ISO 1800, 1/500, f/8 @ 420mm
You can effectively employ the rule of thirds in various photography genres to create balanced and dynamic compositions.
By considering the subject, the surrounding environment, and the theme, you can use the rule of thirds to create visually striking images that capture your viewers’ attention.
Don’t be afraid to break the rules
Iberian ibex | Nikon D500 + Nikon 300 PF + 1.4x TC | ISO 320, 1/2000, f/5.6 @ 420mm
While the rule of thirds is a helpful guideline, especially when you’re a beginner photographer or struggling with composition, it is not a hard-and-fast rule. Although you should understand it well before breaking it, going against it can sometimes lead to more effective and exciting compositions.
This was the case with this photo I took of an Iberian ibex in Spain. I offset the subject to the bottom right corner to emphasize its rocky, mountain habitat as well as the negative space provided by the sky.
Conclusion
The rule of thirds is a powerful compositional tool that can help photographers create balanced and dynamic images.
However, photographers can use many other composition techniques. The key is to practice and find what works best for the specific shot you are taking. Simply put, the rule of thirds is one of several tools to make your images stand out.
If you’re a wildlife photographer like me, this technique can be handy when working with uncooperative subjects that you may only see for a few minutes, if not seconds.
Black-crowned night heron | Nikon D500 + Nikon 300 PF + 1.4x TC | ISO 220, 1/500, f/5.6 @ 420mm
By applying these tips on the rule of thirds to your photography, you can take your compositions to the next level and create stunning images.
Thank you for reading our guide on the rule of thirds for photography. We hope you found it helpful and feel more equipped to apply this compositional tool to your work.
At APC Wildlife Photography, we strive to help wildlife photographers of all levels learn about and improve their craft.
Check out my upcoming tutorials and gear reviews for more tips and insights on wildlife photography. I look forward to helping you capture the beauty and majesty of the animal world through your lens.
Want to become a better wildlife photographer?
If you are interested in learning more about the technical and artistic side of photography to take your photos to the next level, check out these awesome tutorials that can help you take amazing wildlife photos!