C O U R T E S Y O F J A C K I E R Y G G

FRAMING YOUR SHOTSWHAT IS THE RULE OF THIRDS?

WHAT IS THE RULE OF THIRDS?

• The basic principle behind the rule of thirds is to imagine breaking an image down into thirds (both horizontally and vertically) so that you have 9 parts.• As you’re taking an image you can use your view

finder to help you.• With this grid in mind the ‘rule of thirds’ now

identifies four important parts of the image that you should consider placing points of interest as you frame your image

IT’S NOT TIC-TAC-TOEAVOID THE MIDDLE

USE THE INTERSECTIONS

RULE OF THIRDS

WHY THE RULE OF THIRDS?

• When you place points of interest in the intersections or along the lines, your photo becomes more balanced and allows a viewer of the image to interact with it more naturally.• Studies show that when viewing images that the

viewers eyes naturally go to one of the intersections instead of the middle of the picture.• It works naturally with the eye instead of against

it.

RULE OF THIRDS GRID IN A CAMERA

• A Rule of Thirds grid is built into some digital cameras and camcorders.• Sometimes it can be turned on and viewed

on the LCD or the viewfinder. • Use it as a guide when taking photos.• If you don’t achieve this layout just right

with a camera, apply the principle when cropping or editing an image