Rule of Thirds and Photography
Although most beginning artists resist following "rules" - fearing they will hurt their creativity, there are indeed many rules and guidelines that help. One rule in particular is really essential: the Rule of Thirds.
Actually, this should be called the "Rule of Ninths" instead of the "Rule of Thirds". This is because the Rule of Thirds is used by dividing the rectangular shape of your scene into nine smaller rectangles like so:
From Paint to Photo: The Rule of Thirds and Photography
The Rule of Thirds actually goes way back. Painters have been benefiting from this rule since the days when Greek artists discovered it. So let's take a look at the Rule of Thirds as it relates to photography.
You add a great deal of dramatic interest by placing your subject at any of the four points where the lines cross, like so:
"Outstanding Flower"
©William M. Cornelius
"Winter Prairie Scene"
©William M. Cornelius
"Monarch Butterfly"
©William M. Cornelius
Note how each of the above photos holds additional visual interest because the subject is placed off-center, according to the Rule of Thirds.