The ‘Odd Rule’ of Composition
“Odd numbers are better than Even ones in photography.”
I heard about this ‘odd rule’ years ago in a magazine and laughed it off as the author having some sort of obsessive compulsive disorder – but ever since I heard it I’ve noticed that in the shots I take it is true.
I’m not exactly sure why it works – but it does. Perhaps it’s about the balance that odd numbers create (there’s always one thing in the centre to give balance)?
I find that three objects in a shot are particularly good. Five, Seven or more can work but you run the risk of clutter.
Give it a try – it works!
Tip submitted by Rachel. If you’ve got a digital photography tip to share with the DPS community contact Darren with Your Tip.
29 Responses to “The ‘Odd Rule’ of Composition” - Add Yours
March 13th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
I’ve read somewhere that with even number of subjects a viewer tends to mentally split the scene/group of subjects into equal groups thus breaking the composition. It’s not as easily done with odd number of subjects and it helps in perceiving the photo as a whole.
March 13th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
There are six legs. That’s an even number, eh?
March 13th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
It’s a good rule for me to try.
Don’t know whether you know this or not, but in some places, there’s this superstition that it is bad luck to take photos with three people in it.
March 13th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
I think that this picture looks good because the objects are grouped and therefore there are only 3 main objects which makes good composition.
March 13th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
There is something about odd numbers and us humans. Just look at those “classic” jokes — “the priest, rabbi and atheist…” — always groups of three. Stands to reason it will work with photography as well.
March 13th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
In flower arranging the rule is always to use an odd number of large flowers, 3, 5, 7, etc. So this makes total sense to me and it prevents you from halving the image. (Rule of THIRDS, you know.)
March 14th, 2007 at 2:49 am
Seems like the rule of thirds. Three is, for some reason, just a naturally pleasing number to most people, I’ve noticed. Kind of like the golden ratio (which, if I’m not mistaken, is *actually* where the rule of thirds comes from).
March 14th, 2007 at 4:17 am
Why does the picture look computer generated (like something out of Toy Story)?
When I saw this article, I immediately attacked a picture- cropping it severely to an odd number of subjects and hey! It’s true!
March 14th, 2007 at 4:36 am
The same rule applies to design too. A table set with three candles (or knick knacks or whatever) is more attractive than with an even number.
March 14th, 2007 at 5:27 am
That is a good tip and not one you hear of too often.
This photograph works on many levels besides the ‘odd rule’.
There is the low angle, the central lighting, the subject – just legs and feet and my favorite – storytelling – are these three people friends walking together or are the two in back not friends, where are they going, etc.
March 14th, 2007 at 7:53 am
Here is another theory:
Odd number of objects stand out. When something stands out, your brain cannot “automatically” understand what’s going on. When that happens, the situation is relayed to your conscious mind with more data, interest and urgency. It’s kind of like seeing a person with uncommon features. You try not to stare or be specifically interested, but you cannot help.
I got this idea from a book I read a couple of years back. It’s called “On Intelligence” and I recommend reading it if you are into cognitive science.
Cheers,
Zg
March 14th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
Here is a nice example I recently took http://diginikx.livejournal.com/5231.html
The frame caught the wings in different positions for each of the 3 birds which adds to the effect. Like in the picture here — the three people’s legs are in different step. It seem to enhance the feeling of motion.
nik.. .
March 15th, 2007 at 2:56 am
I find the rule of the odd numbers universal in many art forms. Especially threes. Even in design elements as simple as arranging and displaying items on your shelves or handing pictures on the wall. It’s always much more interesting to look at.
I think I shoot in threes naturally. I think it’s almost instinctual for many artists. Funny when someone points something out and then you think, “oh yea, I do that.”
March 15th, 2007 at 4:45 am
Hmmm, cars with three wheels would be pretty odd (the Isetta being a good example).
March 16th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
good tip for sure. in my landscape compositions i usually try for the trifecta with a foreground – middle – background subjects.
March 16th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
About that superstition…My Filipino mother says that it’s bad luck to have three people *of the same gender* in one photo.
March 17th, 2007 at 7:00 am
The reason three is such a pleasing number is that ingrained in each of us is that there is a God; a Triune God seen as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Even in those who do not belive in a God will still notice the number three in many things as being pleasing as God is involved in all things and even though most won’t admit it, and especially in nature, they have a feeling of oneness with all things and it shows in their photography.
March 18th, 2007 at 4:09 am
Glenn: maybe its the other way around :-)
March 20th, 2007 at 1:34 am
Six legs, six feet, four sox…..
Oh wait…The tiles, count the tiles….it’s an odd number.!
April 21st, 2007 at 2:11 am
the odd rule is just the same as the rule of thirds.
May 17th, 2007 at 1:09 am
This is true in so many areas. An arrangement of three or five bushes in the landscape is more visually pleasing than two or four. Once you get to seven or eight, even or odd doesn’t matter.
And in a floral arrangement, three roses are easier to arrange than four, for instance.
June 2nd, 2007 at 8:38 pm
I would be interested to know what people think of this picture.
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=526075655&size=l
It was just a quick snapshot outside a restaurant, but I think it turned out nicely. I think it works really well with the odd rule.
June 8th, 2007 at 7:01 am
Great idea. will definitely experiment with it.
agree re: Trinity.
To blzrd – hello Flick friend! I like the composition and the angle!
June 17th, 2007 at 4:50 am
it is a recurent question in classical architecture. We say that odd numbers in a elevation make it “closed”, more stable, and centered, symetric.
but someone could say that is a easy way just to know where to place the door :-)
with odd numbers there is no hole in the center .
people dislike vacuum .
but in china two is better than three (because between two elements there is vacuum and cavuum is necessary for the existence imagine we live stucked each others)
but for non zen people : simples numbers (odd or even) is like simple geometry : it simplify the composition and make it more “strong”.
August 8th, 2007 at 7:06 am
Yes, once while watching a designing show, they mention that when decorating your house, you always group things in odd numbers.
April 20th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
It works in this photo. Somehow, the viewer’s attention is drawn towards the pair of legs in the middle while the additional two (on either sides) adds to the composition of the overall picture, which turns out very nicely. Thanks for sharing this.
July 15th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
I agree with this ODD Composition. Why do all the photographers follow the Symitrical Composition basics, all the time???
July 31st, 2009 at 4:29 am
It’s not just in photography, but graphic design and interior design as well. No matter how right brained you might be, we are hard wired for symmetry and balance…ask any First Nations people.
August 13th, 2009 at 3:54 am
The same rule applies in any type of composition. I learned basic room design from my mother growing up and first heard the “odd rule” from her.
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