Saturday 26/9/20 - The Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a type of composition commonly used in both art and photography where it divides the image into equal thirds horizontally and vertically. It is used to help photographers and artists with their subject placement in order to create a balanced image. Typically the subject is either placed between the intersecting points of the dividing lines or on the actual lines and multiple points can be used in an image.

However, the rule of thirds doesn't dictate what makes a good image, this rule can be broken to make a great image. Instead of using the dividing lines you use other elements in the image to draw attention of the viewer's eye and create a strong image. These elements could be line, shape and colour.

A filmmaker known for his use of the rule of thirds is director Wes Anderson and the cinematographer Robert Yeoman who he always collaborates with. This is because they use very symmetrical and flat compostions in their work together, he uses the backgrounds and compositions to create lines in the shots used. His subjects are often placed on the points used with the rule of thirds to catch the viewers attention and emphasise on the symmetry.