The Rule of Thirds and Other Simple Composition Tricks for Better Photos

Composition is how you arrange things within the frame, and it's often the difference between a snapshot and a photo people stop to look at. The good news is that a handful of simple ideas cover most situations, and you can apply many of them after the fact by cropping.

The rule of thirds

Imagine two horizontal and two vertical lines dividing your photo into nine equal boxes. The rule of thirds suggests placing important elements along those lines or at the four points where they cross, rather than dead centre.

• Horizons look more balanced on the top or bottom third line than through the middle. Put the horizon on the lower line to emphasise the sky, and on the upper line to emphasise the land or water.
• Portraits often work well with the eyes near the upper third line.
• A single subject, such as a tree or a person, usually feels more dynamic off-centre.

Many phone cameras and editors can display a grid overlay to help you line things up.

When to break it

Centring a subject works well for symmetrical scenes, such as a building seen head-on, a reflection, or a close-up portrait with a strong gaze. The rule is a starting point, not a law.

Leading lines

Roads, fences, rivers, railings and shadows can guide the eye through the photo towards the subject. Position yourself so the lines run into the frame from a corner rather than cutting across it.

Headroom and breathing space

For portraits, leave a small amount of space above the head, and give moving subjects space in the direction they're looking or moving. A person looking left generally feels better placed on the right side of the frame, with room ahead of their gaze.

Negative space

Empty areas, such as sky, a plain wall or open water, help the subject stand out. Don't feel that every corner has to be filled.

Simplify the background

A cluttered background competes with the subject. Move a step to the side, crop tighter or wait for people to move. A tree that appears to grow out of someone's head is a classic mistake to avoid.

Framing within the frame

Doorways, windows and arches can create a natural frame around the subject and add depth.

Fixing composition with cropping

If a photo has the right subject but the wrong balance, cropping can help:

1. Open the photo and turn on any grid overlay.
2. Drag the crop edges so the subject sits on a third line.
3. Straighten the horizon if it tilts.
4. Check that you haven't cropped through joints such as ankles or wrists.
5. Keep enough resolution for the intended use.

Practice ideas

• Take ten photos of the same subject, moving the subject around the frame each time.
• Compare centred and off-centre versions.
• Crop old photos to see how composition changes.

Crop and refine your photos with Cinexa →