Rule of thirds explained

What is the rule of thirds?

The principle behind the rule of thirds is to imagine breaking down an image into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. in total you would have 9 parts. The rule of thirds is a photographic composition. The rule of thirds can be used in different ways such as in portrait images and landscape images. The reds lines are imaginary lines so when you take your photo it is only visible when you attempt to take the photo.

In a landscape composition, the horizon line should be put towards the upper or lower horizontal line. An example of the rule of thirds being used in a landscape image is where the photographer would place and focus the camera, for example if the photographer wanted to focus something above, the horizon would be positioned on the lower horizontal line. And if the photographer wanted to focus something below them it would be placed at the upper horizontal line. this would give the best shot for the photographer.  

When the rule of thirds is used in portraits the person can be looking straight at the camera or away. if they are looking at the camera, their eyes must be lined up with the upper horizontal line. This will result in the other face features such as the nose and mouth to be centred in the centre square. 

Reference:

https://www.dpreview.com/articles/7143352326/the-rule-of-thirds-a-simple-way-to-improve-your-images

http://learnprophotography.com/rule-of-thirds/