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What is the Rule of Thirds?

The Rule of Thirds is a theory on the placement of subjects.  The Rule of Thirds is a formula based on mathematical principles of harmony and proportion that produces a well-balanced, visually satisfying composition. This ¨intersection of the thirds¨ approach has been used by artists for centuries.

How to use: Mentally divide the drawing space into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. With this grid as a guide, position the primary and secondary focal points on or near the intersections of these lines. It´s as simple as that!

Below are two photographs of compositions guided by the rule of thirds.

Other pages of interest

Lighting
Eye level drawing
What are focal points
Drawing attention to focal points
Leading the eye
What is the rule of thirds

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