How Does Rule-Of-Thirds Help You Compose Better Pictures?

Composing a picture in a way that it appeals to the viewers is very important for every photographer. We understand that it takes a lot of time to find a subject to photograph. Similarly you should take some time out to decide and find an effective placement for your main subject. Subject placement is one of the crucial elements of your photographs.There are many ways to compose a picture. Either you can follow an existing composition rule or create a whole new technique that just works for you. The composition rules in photography defines your subject placements. If you follow these rules seriously, you would definitely improve your photography and eventually become a better photographer. One such rule that photographers have been following since many years is 'Rule-Of-Thirds'.

The technique involved here in Rule-Of-Thirds is dividing the  frame into thirds, i.e.three equal horizontal parts and three equal vertical parts. The four lines ( 2 vertical and 2 horizontal) and four intersections of these lines are then used as invisible guidelines to help you find a dynamic subject placement. By locating a subject at any of these four intersections, you compose your shot according to the 'Rule-Of-Thirds'. The technique works in almost every equation but works best when you are photographing a smaller subject. According to the rule when you place your main subject at any intersecting point, it fulfills the need for a dynamic visual tension. you can also use rule of thirds to place secondary subjects by setting them at diagonally opposite intersection points.

Rule of thirds also help in deciding where to place the horizon. If you place it along one of the two horizontal frame divisions, you have a quick and effective shortcut for deciding how to arrange the composition. Placing the horizon along with the upper horizontal line allows you to emphasize more on the lower section of the frame. Whereas placing the horizon along with the lower horizontal line means that more emphasis is being put on the upper section of the frame.