The Easiest Way to Improve Your Pictures | Truly Photography

Whether you’re taking pictures on your phone, a point and shoot camera, or a fancy DSLR the easiest way to improve your pictures is to follow the Rule of Thirds.

When I was in college and taking photography classes, one of the first composition rules I learned about was the Rule of Thirds. In the Intro to Photography class I teach it’s also one of the first composition rules we review. It’s a great way to improve your pictures and it’s SO easy!

What is the Rule of Thirds?

The basic idea behind the rule of thirds is that you imagine your image with 2 horizontal lines and 2 vertical lines through it and shoot with your subject either at the intersection of of the lines or on the lines. These lines and points are where the human eye will naturally be drawn, so placing your subject on the points and lines will feel more natural to the viewer of the image. I also teach and have learned that shooting with the subject at the center of the grid follows the rule of thirds (like in the image below).

As a photographer, I shoot with the rule of thirds in my mind’s eye. I can imagine where the lines and intersections are, easily, but if you’re not shooting every day, it might be hard to imagine the lines and points. Did you know that you can turn on a grid on your Iphone? Having the grid will allow you to shoot along the lines and points easily.

How to Turn the Grid on an Iphone

To turn on the grid:

• Go to Settings
• Go to Photos & Camera
• Switch on Grid

You’ll now have a faint grid when using the camera app (like in my image below).

In this image, my son is the subject and he is in the center of the rule of thirds.

In this image, my son is the subject and he is on the left line when visualizing the rule of 3rds.

I’d love to shoot with you! To book a session, please contact me. To view more of my portfolio, follow me on Instagram.]]>