The “Rule of Thirds” is a theory of equilibrium often used in photography and art.  Whether we are aware of it or not, our eyes often look for a sense of balance in what we see.  This balance can be explained by breaking an image into thirds, horizontally and vertically (see image below).

The basis for this theory surrounds the tendency for the human eye to gravitate to intersecting lines.

This “rule” is not meant to be constricting but rather a guide for improving the composition of photos.

This is how to apply the “Rule of Thirds” principal:

1. Pick a focal point along one of the view finder points (red). This centre of interest.

2. Use intersecting lines to arrange the focal point and the background.