RULE OF THIRDS
Definition
The rule of thirds is a guide to help you compose better images. It uses the natural human tendency to focus on points slightly off-centre of an image and helps keep images balanced and more pleasing to the eye.
For example by placing a horizon on either of the horizontal lines it makes the image look more natural as well as adding a sense of harmony, it will hold your eye for longer.
You can use the same principal with the vertical lines for the edge of buildings or tree trunks etc. this can also help you add extra elements to your image, by giving you more room.
The intersecting points of the grid are called hot spots and instinctively draw your eye. If you place things you want to accentuate on these focal points it will help focus your viewers attention and creates a better balance to your image.
So when taking a portrait use the intersecting points of the grid to place your subjects eyes for a more engaging picture.
Edits
Review
This was the 1st assignment we received on week one, and although my instinct when taking a picture is to place my subject in the middle of the frame understanding the rule of thirds has helped me create images with better balance and a harmonious feel. It also gave me my 1st taste of photoshop, and introduced me to the crop tool that comes conveniently with a thirds grid built in, having used the rule of thirds I can honestly say it has improved my understanding of photography, and how to produce images that “feel” better on the eye, hopefully making my pictures more appealing!