The rule of thirds is a guideline for composing visual images that proposes dividing an image into nine equal parts using two horizontal lines and two vertical lines, and placing important elements along these lines or their intersections to create more tension and interest than simply centering the subject. It is demonstrated in a photo where the horizon sits on a horizontal line and a tree sits at the intersection of two lines. While elements don't need to touch lines, positioning them near lines or intersections takes advantage of the rule of thirds.

1. Rule of Thirds
• The rule of thirds is a "rule of thumb" or guideline which applies to the process of composing
visual images such as designs, films, paintings, and photographs.
• The guideline proposes that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by
two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines, and that important
compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections.
• Proponents of the technique claim that aligning a subject with these points creates more
tension, energy and interest in the composition than simply centering the subject.
• The photograph to the right demonstrates the application of the rule of thirds.
• The horizon sits at the horizontal line dividing the lower third of the photo from the upper
two-thirds.
• The tree sits at the intersection of two lines, sometimes called a power point or a crash point.
• Points of interest in the photo do not have to actually touch one of these lines to take
advantage of the rule of thirds.
• For example, the brightest part of the sky near the horizon where the sun recently set does
not fall directly on one of the lines, but does fall near the intersection of two of the lines,
close enough to take advantage of the rule