No.
This photograph was taken of the little girl in the tulip field. Nice enough photograph. The star of the photograph is pretty much in the dead centre.
Now, the photograph was cropped leaving the girl in the intersection of one of the thirds. This gives the photograph more interest and guides your eye around the photograph.
Do you see the difference?
In this shot, it’s getting closer to the intersection of one of the thirds but it can be improved.
By just cropping the original photograph slightly, the subject’s eyes are in the top left intersection.
If you remember from Rule of Thirds last article, I told you to imagine that your viewfinder is divided into thirds both vertically and horizontally. Into 9 pieces.
Your point of interest should be in the intersecting lines. The photo becomes more balanced and it is more natural for the viewer to interact with the image.
When photographing people, the point of interest is usually their eyes. With a couple, it may be on the kiss of a couple.
Ask yourself these questions before pushing the shutter button
- What are the points of interest in this shot?
- Where am I intentionally placing them?
Take a look at some of your favorite photographs or pieces of art. Can you find the rule of thirds being applied?
Now, take a look at your photographs. Can you see where cropping them would make a difference.
Once you learn the rule, don’t forget to go and break it.
Check out https://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds/ for more examples of The Rule of Thirds.