Rule of Thirds in Filmmaking and Photography: Definition, Examples, and Tips
When diving into the world of filmmaking and photography, one of the first principles you'll encounter is the rule of thirds. But what is it, and why does it hold such a revered position in visual storytelling? Let's unravel this timeless technique.
Understanding the Rule of Thirds
Imagine dividing your frame into nine equal parts using two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. The rule of thirds suggests that you should position the most important elements in your scene along these lines, or at the points where they intersect. For more on the basics, check out this Wikipedia overview of the rule of thirds.
History and Origins of the Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds has roots in classical art and painting, though its exact origins are debated. It was first formally described in 1797 by John Thomas Smith in his book "Remarks on Rural Scenery," where he suggested dividing landscapes into thirds for balanced compositions. This concept evolved from earlier artistic practices, such as those seen in Renaissance works, and made its way into photography in the 19th century before becoming a staple in filmmaking. Understanding its history helps creators appreciate it as a tool derived from centuries of visual experimentation, rather than a modern invention.
The Rule in Film and Video
In filmmaking, the rule of thirds is a guiding principle:
Characters: When framing a character, filmmakers often place them along one of the vertical lines. This is especially true in close-ups or medium shots.
Horizons: If there's a horizon in the scene, it's often aligned with one of the horizontal lines, either the top or bottom, depending on the focus of the shot.
Focus Points: Key elements or actions are often placed at the intersection points to draw the viewer's attention.
For instance, in "The Shining," director Stanley Kubrick uses the rule to position Danny Torrance off-center in hallways, building tension and guiding the eye to his isolation. Similarly, in "Dune," vast desert landscapes align horizons on the lower third, emphasizing the scale of the environment.
A Psychological Perspective
The rule of thirds isn't just an arbitrary guideline. It resonates with how our brains process visual information.
Balance and Harmony: Our eyes naturally gravitate towards these intersection points. Scenes that adhere to the rule often feel balanced and harmonious.
Guiding Attention: By placing key elements along the thirds lines, filmmakers can subtly guide where they want viewers to look.
Cognitively, there's an argument that our brains are wired to appreciate compositions that follow this rule. It's a pattern we've seen in art, nature, and daily life, making such compositions feel familiar and aesthetically pleasing.
Comparing the Rule of Thirds to the Golden Ratio
While the rule of thirds is straightforward, it's often compared to the golden ratio, a mathematical proportion (approximately 1:1.618) found in nature and art, like the spirals in seashells or Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa." The golden ratio creates a more organic, asymmetrical balance by dividing the frame into sections where the ratio of the whole to the larger part equals the larger to the smaller. In contrast, the rule of thirds uses equal divisions, making it easier for beginners. Both aim to guide the viewer's eye naturally, but the golden ratio can feel more dynamic in complex scenes. Experimenting with both can refine your compositional skills.
Rule of thirds vs Golden Ratio
Breaking the Rule
Like all rules in art, the rule of thirds is meant to be broken. However, knowing when and how to break it is crucial:
Emotional Impact: Centered compositions can create a feeling of symmetry, which might be used to evoke emotions like unease or power.
Narrative Purpose: Depending on the story, filmmakers might opt to break the rule to make a scene feel jarring or to convey a particular message.
For example, in "The Godfather Part II," centering Michael Corleone during confrontations heightens the sense of power and isolation. Watch this YouTube clip from The Shining to see centered framing for dramatic effect.
Tips for Beginners Using the Rule of Thirds
Start with your camera's grid overlay feature to visualize the lines during shoots.
In portraits, align eyes with the top horizontal line for a natural focal point.
For action scenes, place moving subjects along a vertical line with space ahead to imply direction and momentum.
Practice in post-production by cropping images to fit the grid, helping train your eye over time.
Combine with leading lines, like roads or fences, to draw attention to intersection points.
(tip-include image of a portrait with eyes aligned on the top third line here for completeness)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Centering everything: This can make shots feel static; instead, offset subjects slightly for interest.
Ignoring balance: Overloading one side of the frame creates unease unless intentional; use negative space to counterweight key elements.
Forgetting aspect ratios: The rule applies universally, but adjust for wide-screen formats to avoid cropping issues.
Over-relying on the rule: Treat it as a starting point, not a mandate, to allow creative flexibility.
Neglecting depth: Focus only on placement without considering foreground and background layers, which can flatten the image.
Incorrect vs correct alignment using the rule of thirds.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rule of Thirds
What is the main purpose of the rule of thirds?
It creates balanced, engaging compositions by aligning elements with natural eye movement patterns.
Can the rule of thirds be used in post-production?
Yes, editing software like Adobe Premiere allows grid overlays for cropping and adjusting footage.
How does it differ in photography vs. filmmaking?
In photos, it's static; in film, account for movement to maintain the rule across frames.
When should I break the rule?
For symmetry, emphasis, or narrative disruption, like centering a character to convey isolation.
Is the rule of thirds related to other composition techniques?
Yes, it pairs well with leading lines and framing to enhance visual flow.
Harnessing the Power of Composition
While the rule of thirds provides filmmakers with a foundational guideline, its true power lies in understanding its psychological impact. By knowing how the rule influences our perception, filmmakers can craft scenes that not only look visually appealing but also resonate on a deeper, subconscious level.
In essence, the rule of thirds is more than just a compositional tool. It's a bridge between the visual frame and the human mind, guiding our attention and shaping our emotional responses. Ready to apply it? Share your thoughts in the comments below or explore more composition tips on our blog.
