Although some elements lay on thirds, the focal point is dead center and the compelling aspect of the image is its symmetry.
Although a good launchpad to begin creating striking compositions, the Rule of Thirds is exactly that, only a beginning. Like the Pirate Code from Pirates of the Caribbean, the Rule of Thirds is more like a guideline than a hard and fast law. In fact, when the situation is right, it should be both bent or even broken. If every shot you captured put the subject exactly on a thirds intersection, eventually these “dynamic” shots would start to lose their flavor.
Allow me to loosen some of the mental knots I tied in The Rule of Thirds Delivers Justice to reveal how and when to throw out the Rule of Thirds.
Bending the Rule
Added Gravity & Drama
When you place your subject further from the center of the photo than the thirds lines, you are bending the Rule of the Thirds. Do this in order to force viewers to move their eyes to one extreme side of the photo. This adds a heightened sense of gravity and drama to the frame. However, be careful not to overuse this style in your shots or else viewers grow tired of being pulled around the frame.
In the specific example on the right, note that although I pulled the focal point, the lighthouse, below the lower horizontal third, I kept it more or less aligned to the vertical third line on the right. I could have cropped this as a horizontal image, leaving out the clouds and to making a “more correct” image according to the Rule of Thirds. However, my intention was to convey the steadfast, still, and quiet feeling I felt while gazing at the headlight in person. So, I kept the clouds above in order to give more space above the subject, creating a this grounded feel.
Breaking the Rule
Below are examples of three composition methods which break the Rules of Thirds. Each style produces compelling results if used effectively. When viewing each image, consider where the third lines fall and where the focal point lays.
I will cover the how-to’s of each one individually in future fundamental tips.
Symmetry
Detail Highlights
Patterns
People swear by the Rule of Thirds, and I hadn’t paid much attention to it until reading about it in my camera manual (you can switch on a grid to help you compose accordingly). Recently I’ve read more about working around the rule of thirds rather than adhering to it. These are great examples.
I like writing these fundamental composition guides and am glad you benefited.
You must have a Canon ya? I have a G12 and sometimes like to put the grid on as well.
Actually, I have a Nikon D7000, an upgrade from my D80.
Oooh! Nice teaser at the end =). I’m excited to learn about symmetry, details, and patterns in your later articles!