THIS IS FOR EVERYONE, not just those with a “big” camera. Something that seems to be a frequent topic of discussion in the photography world is the “rule of thirds.” I’m sure you’ve heard of it. The phrase has always kinda bugged me, maybe because I’ve always hated (don’t tell my kids I used the “h” word) fractions. But as I got into really figuring out my camera, darn diddly, there is SO much math involved in photography–WHY?!?
So a more simpler way of saying–be artistic and cut your frame into thirds–is to think about shooting off center. Move your subject to the right, left, top, or bottom of the frame, but not the center. It is a natural thing for me to center things, but the artist in me tries to push those natural boundaries. This method is used best with individual shots or those of a candid nature. Here is a graph added below for a good visual. The eyes meet at the intersection of lines (almost). I think a vertical portrait is more natural to shoot off center.
Shooting using the Rule of Thirds is an intentional move meant to draw the viewer in based on geometric forms. More specifically, the most pleasing point of an image is where two lines divided into thirds intersect. Apparantly, Renaissance painters found this method tells a story better because the eye doesn’t naturally rest on the center of an image.
When shooting horizontal, to me, it isn’t as natural to shoot off center, but it looks nice when I do.
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Charlotte's Color Specialist says
Thinking off center comes naturally to me – LOL – seriously though, you're right, it makes a HUGE difference in composition. Very pretty photographs. You have a good eye!
I love the look of off-centered pictures – it really seems to add depth. The ones you took with the fence are great! I love how anyone can practice this, no matter what camera.
Mandy, http://craftedition.blogspot.com/2010/06/photography-rule-of-3rds-angles-and.html
Thank you for these great tips! I need all the help I can get in the photography department!
Thanks for discussing this process, it is something I struggle with but it really makes a difference in your photos. I promise to practice and master this techinque thanks to your guidance. Something else my brain has a hard time with…cropping part of a photo out. When I see pictures from someone else they look so natural, but when I try to do it I feel as tho I am cutting off a good part of the photo. Do you have any tips for this? Thanks!!!
I love love love your tutorials! Thank you so much for teaching me how to take better pictures!
Great tips and pics. I love off center photos ;)
After going to a blog conference and taking a photography class; I added the grid to my camera screen. Now I just need to remember not to crop the excess off:)
thanks for your post – it gives the pictures more character to shoot off center.
Kristen, I love all your tips on this site- I learn soooo much from you! I have a great camera, but I still take crappy pictures! Keep the posts coming!
I do it often too. And I am always telling people that is ONE thing that can make their pictures look a lot better!
The top one on my last post is totally off center!
http://rhondasteed.blogspot.com/2010/07/nature-lover.html
I didn't even know about the rule of thirds… I am very new to learning about photography. I have always loved off center photos.
http://athenley.blogspot.com
Thanks for the great tips. I used your framing tips last weekend with my little point and shoot and got some FANTASTIC shots, I am learing so much!!!
Ive known about the rule of thirds, and try to keep it in mind when I do photos.. I always love the way those ones turn out the best! Unfortunately my perfectionist side likes to kick in a lot, and I end up centering most of the time! lol
There are a few good ones in this post where I used the "off centered" look:
http://agapelovedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/06/alexandria-photo-shoot.html
Im still new to photography. So I really enjoy your posts here, thanks so much for all the helpful tips!
Im not sure if this one works because there is so much of the wall but I love how off center it is.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashleepatten/4030469432/in/set-72157624267973311/
Thanks for all the great tips!
Love the tut! And I think your landscape on the fireplace is beautiful and perfect the way it is. (It also follows diagnals very nicely) :) Keep up the great work!
I tried, in the editing stages of a photo. I have a lot to work on, but did see the difference and can juts imagine how great the result will be when I shoot pictures with this rule in mind:) Thanks!!!
http://nelsonpartyoffive.blogspot.com/2010/07/off-center-amateur-effort.html
Thanks for the tips! I love how off-centered photos look.
I just got (and am in the process of learning) my first DSLR. I am really enjoying your posts, and even more, your photography. You take beautiful photos!
I'm definitely no expert but I think that your favorite landscape still falls in the rule of thirds. The horizontal planks, the vertical posts and the water at the bottom all make up (about) thirds.
Can I just say that I LOVE your tutorials?! I took photography classes both in high school and college just for fun and kind of forgot what I was taught…but you help me remember :) I took some pictures of some friends of mine for fun and posted one on my blog here: They are the black and white photo.
http://shawnandjamieoverton.blogspot.com/2010/07/12-weeks-and-counting.html
Thanks for your wonderful posts…I love them!
Im so glad I stumbled upon your page! Everything is so simply put, others I have read in hopes of understanding my camer and taking better pictures were written in jibberish! I just purchased Say No to Auto. Im so excited about everything I have learned. I feel like a little kid!!!!