Rule of thirds

How it is used

The first composition rule most beginners learn. Cameras and phones can show a rule-of-thirds grid on screen. Experienced photographers treat it as a guideline and break it on purpose, for example with centered, symmetrical compositions.

Example sentences

1. Following the rule of thirds, I put the horizon on the lower line to show more sky.

2. Turn on the grid in your camera; it helps you practice the rule of thirds.

Common collocations

• follow the rule of thirds
• break the rule of thirds
• rule-of-thirds grid

Related terms

• compositionThe way the elements of a photo, such as people, lines, shapes and empty space, are arranged inside the frame.
• framingDeciding exactly what is inside the edges of the photo and what is left out, and where the subject sits in the frame.
• negative spaceThe empty area around the main subject, such as plain sky, a wall or water, left on purpose so that the subject stands out.
• leading linesLines in a scene, such as roads, rivers, fences or walls, that guide the viewer's eye through the photo, often toward the main subject.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

• rule of thirds · Graphic Design

More terms: Composition

• camera angle
• close-up
• orientation
• aspect ratio