Day Three: Let’s Break it Down

We’ve been playing by the rules and it’s certainly paid off!

Sometimes I wonder why my eyes are pulled into specific spots but every time I go into analytical mode, it becomes clear: the composition and use of the rule of thirds.

After our practice using this resource, we’ve figured out the purpose and why it works. Which means we’re now at this rebel’s favorite part:

Let’s break the Rule of Thirds.

Every rule has an exception. They’re meant to be guidelines and not the answer to every problem. The key to successfully breaking a rule is doing it with intention.

There are ideal times and places to break this rule. Let’s talk about a few of my favorites.

First up: Eye contact.

Jasper’s face is smack dab center and pulls in the gaze thanks to those soulful eyes. His gaze pulls in viewers to examine the rest of the image.

Have you ever gotten lost in a centered, soulful gaze? One of the best times and places to center the subject is to build on the power of direct eye contact. When a subject looks directly at the camera there is intimacy. It can be heightened through directly centering the subject. Extra points if you have a bit of blur around the subject.

What about the impact for action shots with simple backgrounds?

Jasper dashes across a minimalist composition. The simple background brings focus to his movement and helps to eye to wander because it’s placed in the center.

Another excellent time to center a subject is when the intent is for a minimalist composition. In this photo of my golden retriever, Jasper, I have centered him against a foreground of cement and a background of a slotted fence. Centering him against the minimalist background helps to give life and movement to the action shot.

Remember: the Rule of Thirds is all about creating balance to your composition. But what about when there’s already symmetrical balance?

The serene reflection is key to the emotional tone of the composition. It is strengthened by defying the Rule of Thirds.

That’s an excellent opportunity to break the rule of thirds. Reflections, architecture, group photos— there are lots of areas where the Rule of Thirds works against your intended composition. At times like those, toss that rule out the window!

Let’s talk about the final challenge.

Take a total of six pictures, experimenting with intentionally breaking the rule:

• Choose three different subjects.

  • Take two pictures of each subject

    • One following the Rule of Thirds

    • One intentionally breaking the Rule of Thirds.

Compare them side by side: Which tells the story you’d like to tell?

Please be sure to share your favorites! I’d love to see your magical moments.