Rule of Thirds

[Nicole]

For me, the answer to questions 1-4 is:
Sometimes.

I try to use the rule of thirds most of the time. Because it's something I only really read about a few months ago, it isn't second nature yet, but it feels like it's getting there. So sometimes I do have to think: "Would this shot be better if I moved x over to the left more?" So that means that sometimes, it just happens as well.

I also do purposely break the rule of thirds if I've composed a shot, had a look at it and decide that the subject needs to be more prominent.

It really seems to depend on the subject matter how well it works, but I do find that I prefer the shots that tend to follow the rule a bit more.

[michaelsteinbach]

I saw a quick tip in a photography magazine someone brought to work. Take a post-it and cut a small square and stick it right in the middle of your LCD screen, then when you take your shots, put the subject in the outer areas that you can still see. "Instant improvement" the tip claimed.

I try to use thirds when I remember, then i also have to remember to make the larger area in the direction the subject is moving (if its moving).

~Mike

[Joshua Schroeder]

I like that post-it note idea, but for those shooting with DSLRs (most of which don't have live LCD screens), you can get focusing screens that have the lines etched on there (http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/page--C...gridlines.html ... these are split image focusing screens for those of us who can't manual focus without it ).

[Learner]

Originally Posted by NaturesPixel

i have never been taught it .. i have tried reading it on these photography sites and don't understand it .. i learn better from someone showing me and telling me face to face...

as you can see most of my photos don't follow the rule... i don't think i do.. I realise my photos would really be better if i did

Here's a site that explains it in graphic detail. Sorry I don't know how to 'c/p' so here it is: morquefile.com/classroom. If it doesn't work e-mail me and I'll try to do better. Happy shuttering.

[Bail]

For those Canon 20D Owners (Maybe other EOS Series owners, but I am not sure if you have the 9point AF like the 20D) you can use the points that are laid out in the viewfinder to map your "Rule of thirds" with your mind. Those 4 Points can help you to layout the grid

I made a cruel sketch in how I use it

[Darren Rowse]

nice tip Bail.

Actually a lot of cameras these days (mainly point and shoots) come with the option to overlay a grid like this on your LCD so you can line up your shots using the rule of thirds.

[henryscat]

I think as with all rules it's good to know them - makes it easier to break them!

[yrungaray]

I always think about the rule of thirds when taking photographs. Most of the time I think I actually use the rule. This seems like one of the easier rules for me to remember, but I need to learn new rules and start using them. Thats part of the reason why I like Flickr and DPS so much because I can keep learning new things!

[Mercurius]

For a while, I wasn't thinking of the rule of thirds as much as I was thinking 'off-center.' That seemed to work in most cases. I also try to position the subject in one of the corners, and arrange the background objects around the opposite corner. This usually creates images that follow the rule of thirds.

Looking at my images, I see that I usually follow the rule half-way. That is, either the image is divided into thirds horizontally or vertically, but usually not both.

Funny thing is, even though I don't consciously think about the rule when shooting, the advice I give to friends starting photography is that rule. Maybe I should start taking my own advice.

[essjay]

I really think it depends on what your subject matter is. Personally, where theres a single point of interest, particularly people, the rule seems to work well. For multiple subjects, its almost impossible to follow. I'm also a fan of symmetry, so if I can find symmetry, especially when photographing scenes with harsh lines, I tend to go for that approach. Having said that, I think the rule of thirds is the easiest, and most effective tip you can give to a new photographer. And I count myself in that camp, so I'm speaking from experience.