One. Two. Three. We counted to three and, perhaps, that’s enough. This is enough to make you wonder how elements grouped in groups of three can help you work on different projects. This idea is many years old, but it is still actively used in a variety of disciplines.

In public speaking, such as reports, lectures or presentations, the three control points serve one purpose - to be as persuasive as possible. In photography and fine arts The rule of thirds helps achieve compositional unity. Three theses are often used in various policy documents, simply because it works. But how can you use the magic number 3 in your projects? There are several ways.

IMAGES, VIDEOS AND RULE OF THIRDDS

If we apply the rule of thirds to any image, we get a grid that divides the frame into nine equal parts. Most often, this grid is only present in the author's imagination, but it can still be used to crop a frame when editing an image or video. Today, the grid has become more common, for example, some devices can display it in the camera viewfinder (this feature is available on the iPhone), and users can use it to better capture images.

The rule of thirds is a special case of the golden ratio; it is a simplified concept, which, however, very often forms the basis of more complex grids. Unlike the golden ratio grid, the grid of thirds is simpler and, as a result, more convenient. There are five benefits to using this concept:

• The Rule of Thirds is clear and easy to use
• The functionality of graphic editors such as Photoshop and others includes the rule of thirds when cropping images
• The rule of thirds creates visual harmony and balances the composition
• “Power points”, that is, the places where lines intersect, are clearly visible, and the grid itself can be applied both to the entire image and to part of it
• A simplified version of the golden ratio is more preferable for people less familiar with the basics of composition

There are many collections on the Internet that show how to use the rule of thirds. , for example, you can look.

RULE OF THIRDDS AND LISTS

Everyone knows that lists are one of the the best ways creating attractive content. Lists structure information, making it more understandable for users. However, few people know that the rule of thirds can be successfully applied not only to images, but also to lists. A two-item list is far from ideal, but three items add weight to the content without being confusing or overwhelming. The magic of number 3. Three points are easy to read and well remembered, this is how the human brain works.

Many charismatic speakers often use the rule of thirds, or more precisely, three points, to place emphasis and persuade listeners. But the rule of thirds by itself does not work. When creating lists, the first thing to think about is the value of the content.

In lists, each part must be similar in length and volume to the other two parts. The list may consist of one word or phrase and it is very important that this condition is maintained when using the rule of thirds. An orderly structure helps manage each of the three elements and combine them in such a way that a harmonious combination is obtained.

In rhetoric and literature, the rule of thirds is transformed into the tricolon technique - the author or speaker uses three elements of approximately the same length, combined into a group. Everyone knows the expression Veni, Vidi, Vici. “I came, I saw, I conquered.” Julius Caesar, yes. It was said powerfully and for centuries. Three verbs of the same length, tricolon, is a very special case of using the rule of thirds.

In popular culture, the rule of thirds is used to create dramatic effect or to bring a logical conclusion to an episode.

RULE OF THIRDDS AND NAVIGATION ELEMENTS

A group of three elements can be visually attractive thanks to the thoughtful organization of all parts into one whole. As a result, such content attracts more attention and can help grow your audience.

The rule of thirds is not an axiom; it should be used selectively and as needed. There is no need to adjust the image to fit the grid if it is clear that compositional unity cannot be found this way. However, the grid has one undeniable advantage - it organizes any content. And no matter how the elements are grouped - horizontally or vertically, the proper use of grouped elements increases the efficiency of the work and enhances the impact on the viewer.

It’s better to explain this with an example. Before us are three (can you feel it, three!) sites, three completely different sites. The rule of thirds is not directly used here. There is no nine-element grid. But there is something in common between them.

The main page of this site is divided into three parts of the same size. The images overlap with each other and serve as a starting point for other sections of the site, of which, if you scroll to the end of the page, it turns out (suddenly) there are also three. A group of three images in this case is a navigation element. Each picture is interesting in its own way and tells its own story. Together they form a powerful chord that anticipates the emergence of new information.

The design of this site uses built elements in several places at once. On the main page we see an animated banner, and below it a group of three elements. Then it gets even more interesting - three images turn into six, while the grid remains unchanged. The designer, using the rule of thirds, competently implemented the principle “from general to specific” and at the same time did not lose compositional unity.

The number 3 truly has an inexplicable appeal. It is found in so many different disciplines that it is perhaps worth replacing the term “rule of thirds” with the term “rule of three.” This will be more accurate.

Healer Colman Smith, who specializes in acupuncture and Chinese traditional medicine, has launched a website that uses the rule of three elements in a very special way. The number 3 is present here, but not in a grid or grouped form. This is a triangle located in the center home page. If in a list you need to group three theses of approximately equal size, then here, in order to create an emphasis, it was enough to place an isosceles triangle turned upside down. A simple yet very effective design solution.

SHARE YOUR PROJECT OR STORY

Any project or article can be divided. Just like the action in a play that has three acts is divided. This will make a project with a lot of content easier and easier to understand.

The rule of three elements is so universal that it can be applied almost anywhere where you need to organize content. There are several common usage patterns, but no one prohibits grouping elements in groups of three in any convenient way. If we return to the example of a play, the action is divided into three acts because the viewer is told a story in which, as we know, there is a beginning, middle and end. This was not done by chance - in this way the viewer becomes part of the story that is told to him from the stage.

RULE OF THREE ELEMENTS AND MARKETING

At the presentation of the Apple iPad2 tablet, the famous phrase was heard: “Thinner, lighter and faster.” This combination of three key elements was easy to remember and the result was a viral effect. Most of the media used this phrase in their materials dedicated to the release of the new Apple tablet, because it instantly became, as they used to say, a popular phrase. It is unlikely that this expression would be so effective if it had four or five words. Apple marketers clearly knew something about the magic of the number 3.

The rule of three elements can and should be used in marketing. And also in design, photography and copywriting. Wherever it will help improve the content, whatever it may be. You just need to think about your project like a professional. Can you describe it in three words? If you can, then everything is not so bad and you can move on.

There are only three elements, but using them you can tell a powerful story. You can group images so that they will be remembered for a lifetime. Three words can describe the product being promoted. Just three words that are easy to remember.

CONCLUSION

Like the golden ratio, the rule of thirds is invisibly present in our lives. This is a certain pattern that you begin to pay attention to when you understand more deeply the business you are doing. The world we live in is harmonious and balanced, but we need to learn to see this harmony. The easiest way to do this is to start using the rule of three elements. It's amazing how many elements there are, grouped in groups of three. Whether or not to use the rule of thirds in your work is something everyone must decide for themselves. This is one of the simplest rules of composition, one of many. You just need to remember that it is there and it works.

Most people who practice photography are well aware that composition is fundamental. Unless a beginner may have doubts about where to start when studying this type of art. And even despite the fact that everyone knows the principle that it is impossible to place an object directly in the center of the frame, it is still worth recalling what the Rule of Thirds is based on and how it is applied in portrait and street photography.

EOS M5, EF-M55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens, f/4.5, 55mm, 1/1600sec, ISO320

Rule of Thirds: A Quick Guide

According to this rule, a photograph is mentally divided into a grid with nine equal parts, which are formed by two horizontal and vertical lines. These lines intersect four times, and it is around these points that you want to place objects in the frame. This way you attract the viewer's eye to an important object in the most naturally.

EOS M5, EF-M55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens, f/5.0, 100mm, 1/1600sec, ISO320

Portrait photography

Portrait photography provides a great opportunity to practice applying the Rule of Thirds because, unlike street photography, the photographer has plenty of time to position his or her subject, get the composition just right, and get it perfect.

EOS M5, EF-M55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens, f/4.5, 55mm, 1/640sec, ISO320

Placing the subject in the center of the photo is not attractive.

In the photo above, you can see that the subject's face is not at any of the four intersections, but is located in the middle - at the "dead center of the photo." Although, of course, this is how we would see the world around us and any objects if we were looking directly, nevertheless, the central location of the object in the frame does not make the photo attractive and can look rather awkward.

EOS M5, EF-M55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens, f/4.5, 55mm, 1/1250sec, ISO320

Placing your subject along thirds of the frame makes the photo more pleasing.

Street photography

Street photography is about depicting people and environment, captured in life, in their natural state, where the photographer must blend into the background, be invisible and not influence with his presence what is happening in the frame.

There is no posing in street photography, so, of course, there is no time to waste when the opportunity to take a photo arises. The photographer may only have a few seconds to take the photo before the subject moves on or moves away.

However, the principles of the Rule of Thirds are strictly applied. It's possible to take breathtaking photos if you use the intersection points as guides for placing objects.

EOS M5, EF-M55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens, f/6.3, 200mm, 1/1250sec, ISO320

In the photo, the object is placed along a vertical line.

Practice makes perfect

EOS M5, EF-M55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens, f/4.5, 55mm, 1/60sec, ISO320

Use the Rule of Thirds even in group photography.

This quick guide will help you get started, but the important part is to get outside and practice as much as possible. The rule of thirds is a useful method, especially when starting out in photography, it needs to be mastered perfectly in order to further develop your own preferences and style.

The "rule of thirds" is an important photography technique that can be applied to any scene to improve the composition and balance of an image.

The "rule of thirds" is one of the most useful compositional techniques in photography. It is important to understand how the "rule of thirds" applies in different areas of photography in order to take more interesting and harmonious photographs.

Of course, rules should never be applied blindly, especially in art, so you should treat the "rule of thirds" as practical advice, not dogma. However, in most cases this technique will allow you to get nice photos and will serve as an excellent Starting point when constructing a composition.

What is the "rule of thirds"?

Applying the "rule of thirds" involves mentally dividing the image with two horizontal and two vertical lines, as shown below. Then you should place the key elements of the scene at the points where the lines intersect.

A grid based on the "rule of thirds". Important elements (the barn and the boundaries between the ground and the trees) are located along the lines and at their intersections. Photo by Martin Gommel.

The essence of the rule is that such a composition is easier on the eye and looks more natural than photographs in which the subject is located directly in the center. The "rule of thirds" also forces us to be creative in our use of "negative space" - empty areas located around the subject.

How to use the "rule of thirds"?

When composing a photograph, mentally divide the scene as described above. Think about which elements of the photograph are the most important and try to arrange them along the lines and at their intersections. This does not mean that they must be exactly inscribed at these points; it is enough if they are located nearby.

Horizon line and key object in this photo, they are placed in accordance with the “rule of thirds” close to the lines in order to make the photo most effective. Photo by K Praslowicz.

You'll likely have to move around to find the best composition. This will help you think through your shot better, which is a really good thing whether you use the rule of thirds or not.

To assist, some cameras have a grid of thirds lines. Thanks to this, you don’t have to estimate by eye and you can more accurately select the correct location of objects.

Examples

The "rule of thirds" is quite universal and can be applied to most areas of photography. The following are some examples of how it can be used in filming.

When photographing landscapes, photographers often place the horizon in the center of the frame, which creates a feeling of fragmentation in the photo. Instead, the horizon should be positioned along one of the horizontal lines, following the "rule of thirds."

Try to complement the photo with other interesting objects, such as the tree in the photo above, and also place them according to the rule of thirds. Thanks to this, an “anchor” appears - a natural point to which the attention of the audience will be riveted.

Placing people closer to one edge of the photo gives good result. Thanks to this, free space appears, the photograph becomes lighter, the surrounding interior becomes visible, and the photograph no longer looks like just a snapshot of a face.

The viewer naturally draws attention to the eyes of the model in the photo, so it is worth placing them according to the “rule of thirds” at the points of intersection of the lines to give the photo the correct compositional basis.

In the image above, the main subject was placed at the intersection, along one of the vertical lines. The branch approximately coincides with one of the horizontal lines. White space in the bottom left corner provides balance and keeps the photo from looking too crowded.

Vertical objects, like this lighthouse, can split (similar to a horizon line) a photograph into two parts. In order to prevent this unwanted effect from appearing, when forming a composition, place the subject outside the center of the frame.

When shooting moving subjects, follow general rules placement, but take into account the direction of movement. General rule is to leave more space in front of the object than behind it to show the direction of movement.

Using photo processing programs

You can easily adjust your photos to the "rule of thirds" using frames. This feature allows you to change the location of key objects in a photo, moving them to better positions.

Framing using the "rule of thirds" will allow you to improve your composition. Photo by Jenn Forman Orth.

To make the process easier, programs like Photoshop and Lightroom have a built-in crop tool guide that follows the "rule of thirds." The tool overlays a grid with lines of thirds, helping you get the composition right.

Breaking the rules

The application of the "rule of thirds", as well as any others (at least in photography), is not necessary in every situation. Sometimes by breaking it you can get much more exciting and interesting pictures. Experiment and try different compositions, even if it goes against all the rules you've learned so far.

However, you should learn to use the useful features of the "rule of thirds" before you try to break it. This way you'll always be experimenting meaningfully, trying to improve your composition, rather than just experimenting for the sake of it.

The "rule of thirds" is an important photography technique that can be applied to any scene to improve the composition and balance of an image.

The "rule of thirds" is one of the most useful compositional techniques in photography. It is important to understand how the "rule of thirds" applies in different areas of photography in order to take more interesting and harmonious photographs.

Of course, rules should never be applied blindly, especially in art, so the Rule of Thirds should be treated as a practical guideline rather than a dogma. However, in most cases this technique will produce good photos and will serve as an excellent starting point when building a composition.

What is the "rule of thirds"?

Applying the "rule of thirds" involves mentally dividing the image with two horizontal and two vertical lines, as shown below. Then you should place the key elements of the scene at the points where the lines intersect.

A grid based on the "rule of thirds". Important elements (the barn and the boundaries between the ground and the trees) are located along the lines and at their intersections. Photo by Martin Gommel.

The essence of the rule is that such a composition is easier on the eye and looks more natural than photographs in which the subject is located directly in the center. The "rule of thirds" also forces us to be creative in our use of "negative space" - empty areas located around the subject.

How to use the "rule of thirds"?

When composing a photograph, mentally divide the scene as described above. Think about which elements of the photograph are the most important and try to arrange them along the lines and at their intersections. This does not mean that they must be exactly inscribed at these points; it is enough if they are located nearby.

The horizon line and the key subject in this photo are placed according to the "rule of thirds" close to the lines to create the most impact in the photo. Photo by K Praslowicz.

You'll likely have to move around to find the best composition. This will help you think through your shot better, which is a really good thing whether you use the rule of thirds or not.

To assist, some cameras have a grid of thirds lines. Thanks to this, you don’t have to estimate by eye and you can more accurately select the correct location of objects.

Examples

The "rule of thirds" is quite universal and can be applied to most areas of photography. The following are some examples of how it can be used in filming.

When photographing landscapes, photographers often place the horizon in the center of the frame, which creates a feeling of fragmentation in the photo. Instead, the horizon should be positioned along one of the horizontal lines, following the "rule of thirds."

Try to complement the photo with other interesting objects, such as the tree in the photo above, and also place them according to the rule of thirds. Thanks to this, an “anchor” appears - a natural point to which the attention of the audience will be riveted.

Placing people closer to one edge of the photo works well. Thanks to this, free space appears, the photograph becomes lighter, the surrounding interior becomes visible, and the photograph no longer looks like just a snapshot of a face.

The viewer naturally draws attention to the eyes of the model in the photo, so it is worth placing them according to the “rule of thirds” at the points of intersection of the lines to give the photo the correct compositional basis.

In the image above, the main subject was placed at the intersection, along one of the vertical lines. The branch approximately coincides with one of the horizontal lines. White space in the bottom left corner provides balance and keeps the photo from looking too crowded.

Vertical objects, like this lighthouse, can split (similar to a horizon line) a photograph into two parts. In order to prevent this unwanted effect from appearing, when forming a composition, place the subject outside the center of the frame.

When photographing moving subjects, follow general placement rules, but be aware of the direction of movement. The general rule is to leave more space in front of the subject than behind it to show the direction of movement.

Using photo processing programs

You can easily adjust your photos to the "rule of thirds" using frames. This feature allows you to change the location of key objects in a photo, moving them to better positions.

Framing using the "rule of thirds" will allow you to improve your composition. Photo by Jenn Forman Orth.

To make the process easier, programs like Photoshop and Lightroom have a built-in crop tool guide that follows the "rule of thirds." The tool overlays a grid with lines of thirds, helping you get the composition right.

Breaking the rules

The application of the "rule of thirds", as well as any others (at least in photography), is not necessary in every situation. Sometimes by breaking it you can get much more exciting and interesting pictures. Experiment and try different compositions, even if it goes against all the rules you've learned so far.

However, you should learn to use the useful features of the "rule of thirds" before you try to break it. This way you'll always be experimenting meaningfully, trying to improve your composition, rather than just experimenting for the sake of it.

It turns out that a professional camera is not the key to high-quality photography. It turns out that Photoshop is sometimes not enough to correct errors when shooting. It becomes known that the work of a photographer is no less easy than any other, since it requires huge amount knowledge, skills, abilities. The rules of thirds in photography are just one aspect, but every self-respecting photographer must take them into account. What are they and how to use them correctly?

A little about...

The rules of thirds in photography come under It is a kind of photographic art.

As an important component, the rule of thirds in photography, examples of its use will be discussed below, is applicable to almost any chosen genre. It is well suited for both landscape and landscape painting. This makes it a versatile weapon for hitting high-quality targets straight to the top.

Is it worth following blindly?

Definitely not. Strict and strict adherence to the rules does not lead to good things in art, but the three-thirds rule in photography can always be the starting point for creating a masterpiece.

And in order to use it correctly, you need to properly understand what it is, what advantages it gives the creator, what is its appeal and how with its help it achieves that ideal balance that any photographer strives for.

Balance in everything!

Balance is something that is everywhere in nature. Everything natural strives for balance, therefore it should also be achieved in the artificial. Ultimately, everything that a person does is just a reflection of what already exists in nature. He draws his ideas from her, she is his best assistant and adviser.

The term “photo artist” was already used a little higher. Everything is clear from the photo, but why was this second half of this definition chosen? Well, a photographer, in a sense, is also an artist, holding a well-known instrument in his hand instead of a brush. To get a good result, it is not enough for him to simply press the shutter button and capture the moment: before that, he must evaluate the composition of the future frame. It is a pity that not everyone understands this, but nevertheless it is so.

What is composition?

Roughly speaking, composition is a whole set of different techniques that help to correctly place objects. The correct arrangement will allow the individual particles to assemble into a whole picture, which, in fact, will be pleasant to look at. The rule of thirds is the main component of the composition along with diagonals and so on.

Essentially, the rule of thirds is a simplified version of the golden ratio. The original version uses more complex calculations, closely related to Fibonacci numbers. The golden ratio is one of the principles that any photographer must also know, but this article is about thirds.

What is the rule of thirds?

Mentally dividing the image into nine parts (3 x 3 - three vertically, a similar number horizontally), moreover, they must be equal - this is a description of the rule of thirds. It's important in photography. The division described is a grid of two horizontal and Objects should be placed at or along their intersections.

What's the idea?

When using this principle, usually the rule of thirds, the photo becomes more pleasing to the eye and more natural, because its important elements are not located directly in the middle of the frame. It also gives more space for imagination and fantasy.

The photograph does not change dramatically, but it adds significance to the subject. What is this based on? When a person looks at the picture as a whole in reality, focusing on one thing, he at the same time needs that the surrounding elements do not interfere, but are combined with the object. Of course, such a description is not suitable for a momentary glance, but a long gaze into the distance suggests exactly this. The photographer's task is to express what the viewer should pay attention to (what should have been focused on will be focused on the frame, because using the focus of your own eye on the final result will no longer work). In this case, placing the object directly in the center, which comes to mind first, is a very crude solution to the problem and, as mentioned above, very unnatural, like a lie sewn with white thread.

How can it be used?

You should mentally imagine a grid, highlight important elements of the future frame and place them near the lines. It is worth remembering that there may not be a perfect match, but an approximate one must be achieved. The grid is the supporting component for shooting. This is art, and therefore there cannot be any “exactly on point”. You can “play” with the lines and arrange the composition at your discretion. If time and technique allow, you can take several different shots to compare the results and see the difference. Without understanding the idea itself, nothing will come of it, and blind adherence will lead to the fact that all the photographs will be taken as if according to the same pattern. But that's the beauty of the rule of thirds in photography: it's so simple, so universal, and yet so many ways to use it. Everything ingenious is simple. The same comparison with nature: it’s like a sunset, the beauty of which is so undeniable that people have been admiring it for thousands of years, but it’s different every day. But from metaphors let's return to reality.

It may be necessary to change the position from which the photograph will be taken. It's nothing. Taking a balanced and thoughtful approach to photography is a great habit. Yes, modern technology allows you to “click” up to a hundred frames in a minute, but at such moments it will be very useful to remember the photographers who worked with film, when each frame was incredibly valuable, and you had to calculate its parameters at random, never knowing what would happen in the end. in the end, and whether it will work out at all.

Help for the photographer

Manufacturers of some cameras stand up for their users by adding to the device the ability to turn on and substitute a grid. This is a visual representation, and a photographer can master the three-thirds rule in photography without imagining the lines in their minds.

By the way, interesting fact: The rule is common as the three-thirds principle. This is not entirely true. In fact, this is the two-thirds rule in photography. But it doesn’t matter what you call it, it’s important how you apply it. The tips below for each type of photo will help with this.

As mentioned just above, versatility is the rule of thirds. Portrait or landscape, or macro photography, or moving objects - it is applicable everywhere.

For a landscape, it is better to place the horizon along one of the grid lines, and not in the middle, so as not to create the feeling of splitting the photo frame into two equal halves. The foreground object sets the focal point and should also be placed according to the principle of the rule. If the object is large, it is better to move it to the side so that it does not break the picture in two.

When a person looks at a portrait, he always pays attention to the eyes of the man (or woman, child, etc.) depicted in the photo. That’s why the focus should be on them, and it’s best to place them on the top horizontal line of the grid.

For a moving object, it is good to leave space on the side that is the direction of movement.

When photographing a person in full height It would be a good idea to place it along one of the vertical grid lines.

Power points

Despite the fact that the principle of the rule itself is based on equal division, it is known that the lower right point has a stronger impact than the lower left. This means that if a photograph has multiple objects, the most important one should be placed near the first named intersection.

Cropping as a way to improve your photography

Common people are accustomed to removing unnecessary details from the overall picture. Masters remove them in Photoshop using their secret techniques, since cropping (the same cropping, in essence) gives an advantage in a different way. After all, thanks to it, you can force the frame to inherit the rules of thirds. “Photoshop” or another can improve the overall picture in this simple way by moving the subject to a more suitable place in accordance with the rule.

Rules are made to be broken

And the rule of thirds is no exception. Yes, it is the basis of the composition, but if you feel it, this very composition, intuitively, then by violating the principle described above, you can get something interesting, perhaps even brighter and more expressive than what would have happened with it. No one forbade experimenting! It's even useful.

But here's the thing: in order to break a rule to your advantage, you must first learn to follow it.