The Rule of Thirds

How To Set Up Your Shots to Look Professional Using the Rule Of Thirds

Using the rule of thirds, you can add interest to your “talking head” shots and make them look much more professional. Ideally, you should never frame an image with the subject at dead center.

Instead, always apply the rule of thirds for much higher production quality!

The rule of thirds is a concept in video and film production in which the frame is divided into into nine imaginary sections, as shown below. These imaginary reference points act as guides for framing an image.

Points (or lines) of interest should occur at 1/3 or 2/3 of the way up (or across) the frame, rather than in the middle.

IN PEOPLE SHOTS…

In most “people shots”, the main line of interest is the line going through the eyes. In the shots below, the eyes are placed approximately 1/3 of the way down and across the frame.

IN SCENE SHOTS

In establishing scene shots, the building lands right on the 1/3 line both horizontally and vertically. This is a great way to add visual interest to your weather shots or wide shots.