Original subtitles

The rule of thirds is quite possibly the most common

and well known visual rule of composition.

It has been used for hundreds of years

and has been applied to photography and painting.

Let's start by drawing two horizontal lines

and two vertical lines across our frame.

We have now divided the frame into nine equal sized rectangles.

Many cameras have a built in grid view option that allows the operator

to have a visual representation of these guidelines.

These lines can help remind you of this principle

as you get used to composing in this manner.

Let's take a look at this grid.

The rule of thirds is based on the principle that the center of an image

is not actually the most important point for registering with the human eye.

Instead of that center.

We analyze a frame by starting from one of these four points.

Let's take a look at an image and superimpose these guiding lights.

Notice how the points of interest align with the guidelines and intersections.

The horizon falls on the lower horizon line.

The subject dressed up on the right vertical line and on

the top right intersection.

Let's see what this

image looks like if we shift the angle of the camera.

So the subject is now centered in the frame.

Notice

how the image has lost its sense of tension.

It has become symmetrical in our eye.

Is not drawn to the background.

Let's take a look

at some other possible options.

Looking through these images, we begin to realize that

the rule of thirds is a natural fit for many compositions.

And with practice, you will begin to be drawn to it unconsciously.

It is a great starting point for framing your shot

as it will force you to steer clear of awkward center compositions,

but is by no means a definitive rule.

Before you can break the rules, you have to master them.