The rule of thirds in art, design, and photography

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Understand the compositional guideline of the rule of thirds in art, design, and photography and discover inspiring examples. When we take photos, we tend to put the main point of interest in the center or divide the picture in the middle, horizontally or vertically. Yet, some of our favorite artworks and photos were taken according to the rule of thirds which serves their storytelling in the best way.

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How does the rule of thirds work?

The rule of thirds divides the canvas or image into a grid of nine equal parts using two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. So, it creates nine quarters, three rows of three horizontal and three vertical squares. And, it considers the one or more inner crosses powerful points of a visual composition that follow the natural way of seeing.

According to research, approximately 41% of viewers will look first at the top left inner cross, 25% at the bottom left, 20% at the top right, and 14% at the bottom right. So, divide your canvas or photo like a tic-tac-toe grid. And, instead of centering your subject, place key elements (focal points) at the intersections of these gridlines or along the lines themselves. Doing so leads to a more balanced and engaging composition.

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The rule of thirds in art, design, and photography

The Rule of Thirds enhances visual impact by strategically placing elements within the grid. And, this becomes so obvious when exploring some famous paintings where this technique is evident.

“The Hay Wain” by John Constable

This watercolor painting places key elements along the gridlines and creates a harmonious composition.

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“The Fighting Temeraire” by J.M.W. Turner

Turner’s masterpiece “The Fighting Temeraire” features the ship’s masts and the setting sun aligned with the gridlines, emphasizing balance and visual interest.

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“The Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh

Van Gogh’s swirling sky and village landscape is one of the most famous paintings and follows the Rule of Thirds, drawing the viewer’s eye across the canvas

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“Water Lilies” by Claude Monet

Monet’s serene water lily pond exemplifies the rule, with the waterline and lily pads intersecting the gridlines.

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The rule of thirds in photography and design

There are so many ways to apply this principle in photography and design. And, create compositions with strong points of interest in the most viewed lines and directions. As an aesthetic guideline and not a strict rule, it can enhance the visual impact of details and create well-balanced compositions.

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Using Inspiring Signs

A fantastic usage of this is to guide the viewer from the top to the bottom of the right cross-section with an inspiring sign or quote.

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Experiment with everyday objects

Simple objects gain depth as the eye moves around them, guided by the Rule of Thirds. The precarious location of the pouring coffee in the cup serves as a pedestal, adhering to this rule.

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Delicate macaroons with vibrant and pastel colors lead the eye to the right inner section following the Rule of Thirds

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Applying it to portraits

When photographing people or animals, placing the eyes on one of the cross-sections creates an intimate and intriguing result

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Natural elements

In a stunning nature shot, placing a natural element like a plant or a leaf at the top or bottom left cross-section of the imaginary grid can emphasize the hues and organic shapes of the composition.

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