Have you ever wondered why some images even though may not have the best lighting still please the eye more than others ? The secret is The Golden Ratio or as photogs like to call it, The Rule of Thirds.  

I’m sure you can google and find a ton of information about this irrational mathematical constant (as described in Wikipedia) in Google but what is its use? It can be observed in several things that we find ourselves surrounded by – take the florets in the head  of a daisy or a sunflower, seashells, architecture, classic arts and even the twitter layout ! It is also used in visual media such as print and in movies as well as commercials.  Next time you see a commercial observe it carefully and try not to be drawn in by the mouthwatering mashed-potato-made-to-look-like-icecream-on-a-cone. You will observe, the main characters are along the thirds line. Or the action happens along the third line. Or you’ll find lines converging towards the subject that follow the thirds line. The key being …?? You’ve got it – the thirds line !

Its hard to understand without a picture so here goes –

Here’s image #1

Now take a look at the same picture cropped differently, below.

See the difference ? I find the top image more aesthetically pleasing than the bottom one and the reason for that is in the way it is cropped. In the first image, the little guy has his eyes along the thirds vertical line (it doesn’t have to be exact). In the second image, his face is dead center. The first image has negative space on the left but its not dead space. What exactly is negative space ? It is basically empty space around your model that plays an important part in the overall composition of the image. What does the negative space do in this image ? It gives space for him to turn his head into. In the second image, the little guy looks cramped.

Next time you take a picture, go ahead and line your subject along the thirds line and see the difference it makes !

About Me : I am a Mom to a sweet little girl who is my ever willing, avid and very patient model, a professional photographer, and an IT geek. I love shooting in natural light when possible, with a little indoor portraiture when the weather refuses to co-operate. Visit me at Miraz Light At Work Photography or find me on facebook here