TECHNICAL POST: Rule of Thirds

Technical - Rule of Thirds

Rule of Thirds

What is the "rule of thirds"?

The rule of thirds is a concept in video and film production in which the frame is divided into into nine imaginary sections. This creates reference points which act as guides for framing the image.

The "rule of thirds" says if you were to divide a TV screen into thirds using lines, you'd find, where those lines crossed, points that the eye is naturally attracted to.

Using the rule of thirds

The rule of thirds is applied by aligning a subject with the guide lines and their intersection points, placing the horizon on the top or bottom line, or allowing linear features in the image to flow from section to section. 

The main reason for observing the rule of thirds is to discourage placement of the subject at the center, or prevent a horizon from appearing to divide the picture in half.

  

       Without the rule of thirds                With the rule of thirds