Jump to content

Welcome to NikonForums.com
Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!




Rule of thirds composition

Posted by Merco_61, 26 August 2016 · 1,659 views

Explaining the rule of thirds will be difficult to do without going into a wall of text mode, but I will try.

Centered subject can work if you want to accentuate symmetry and tranquility but the composition lacks tension.
Posted Image

If you divide the photo into three parts both horizontally and vertically you get intersections between these lines that we call points of interest.
Posted Image

If you reframe so that the interesting part in the frame lands on one of these points of interest, you will create tension in the photo.
Posted Image

This leads to our little bird not just sitting there feeling sorry for himself, but instead he is a bird on his way somewhere.
Posted Image

Tilted horizons is a phase we all go through. It must be tilted enough, so that it looks deliberate and not a mistake. It must be used sparingly as overuse makes the collection of photos look contrived and –Look at me! I think everybody overdoes it for a while, but it can work to get the interest of the viewer if there are only one or two in a collection or slideshow.

This was originally a post in the forum thread: What should camera see?




Tilted horizons are typically a no-no for sports, but I agree that when used sparingly and carefully it can add some pop to the right image.

  • Report