9 Questions
What is the Rule of Thirds?
A rule for dividing a visual image into nine equal parts
Why is the Rule of Thirds important?
It creates more tension, energy, and interest in the composition
Who first wrote down the Rule of Thirds?
John Thomas Smith
What is the main reason for observing the Rule of Thirds?
To discourage center placement of the subject
How do cinematographers use the Rule of Thirds?
To design balanced and unified images
What is the recommended positioning when photographing people using the Rule of Thirds?
Lining the body up to a vertical line and the person's eyes to a horizontal line
What is Sir Joshua Reynolds' rule for the proportion of warm to cold colors in a painting?
2:1
What is John Thomas Smith's conception of the Rule of Thirds?
Meant to apply more generally than the version commonly explained today
What is the benefit of aligning important compositional elements with the lines or intersections of the Rule of Thirds?
It creates more tension, energy, and interest in the composition
Study Notes
The Rule of Thirds:
- A rule of thumb for composing visual images.
- Imagines an image divided into nine equal parts.
- Important compositional elements should be placed along the lines or intersections.
- Aligning a subject with these points creates more tension, energy, and interest in the composition.
- Proponents claim the subject doesn't have to touch the lines to take advantage of the rule.
- The main reason for observing the rule is to discourage center placement of the subject.
- The rule of thirds is favored by cinematographers in their effort to design balanced and unified images.
- When photographing people, it is common to line the body up to a vertical line and the person's eyes to a horizontal line.
- The rule of thirds was first written down by John Thomas Smith in 1797.
- Sir Joshua Reynolds gives the ratio 2:1 as a rule for the proportion of warm to cold colors in a painting.
- Smith's conception of the rule is meant to apply more generally than the version commonly explained today.
- Smith recommends the rule not just for dividing the frame but also for all division of straight lines, masses, or groups.
Test your knowledge on the popular compositional technique known as the Rule of Thirds. This rule of thumb for creating visually appealing images divides an image into nine parts and suggests important elements be placed along the lines or intersections. See if you know the history, reasoning, and practical applications of this rule in photography and cinema. Take the quiz now and discover if you're a master of the Rule of Thirds!
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