A little photo advice: the rule of thirds
A simple but effective way to improve image composition is to imagine the photo divided into nine equal parts. Or use the golden ratio.
If you take photos without thinking about their composition, the subject will certainly be at the centre of most of your photos. We've seen better. Strictly symmetrical images certainly have their charm, but you need a little variety and if, however, you really prefer this type of composition, the subject should be exactly in the middle of the image.
The rule of thirds
Under the rule of thirds, the image is divided into three equal parts horizontally and vertically. This produces nine rectangles. On some cameras, it's even possible to display this grid when shooting. You can look for the option in the menu under "third party grid" or "composition grid".
I took the photo so that the third horizontal line runs between the clouds and the blue sky rather than along the horizon line. This is one possible composition for this image, I find it more harmonious.
It's easy to determine the composition of an image with a clearly defined, straight horizon line. But what about irregular, larger patterns like a person?
The viewer's eye is initially drawn to large subjects. On a face, for example, the eye is drawn to the nearest eye. In this photo, I have therefore placed it at the intersection of the third horizontal and vertical lines.
As you can see from the example, it's easy to crop and apply the rule of thirds on a computer. In Photoshop and the like, you can display a corresponding grid. But it's easier if the composition of the image is already more or less correct. In the example above, I couldn't position the eye any lower, for example, because there isn't enough image border at the top.
The golden ratio
On the computer, you can also try out other compositions and perfect the distribution of your image. In particular, you can try composing your photo according to the golden number. We all tend to find this proportion very harmonious. To respect the proportions of the golden ratio, simply shift the two centre lines slightly towards the centre. By the way, in Photoshop you can display the golden ratio grid.
This composition is very similar to the one following the rule of thirds at the cloud line. Maybe that explains why I prefer this composition.
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David Lee
Senior Editor
David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.chMy interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.
