How to Shoot Landscapes - Harmonious thirds

Harmonious thirds

For photographers the notion of harmonious balance is expressed in the rule of thirds. If a frame is divided by equidistant pairs of lines, two horizontal and two vertical, the points at which the lines intersect represent the most ‘powerful' locations in the frame. The rule dictates that these are the places to put the subject for the most appealing composition. If the theme of your picture is harmony and beauty and other positive things, a rule of thirds composition makes sense. But if the picture is about struggle, disturbance, displacement or marginalisation, why use the same compositional structure as for a positive image?

Composition is about more than simply ‘orchestrating space'; it can be a tool to tell the viewer something more about the subject or your feelings about it. Empty or ‘negative' space also has a role in letting the subject breathe - tight framing doesn't always flatter a subject.

Sun rising through mist, Montreathmont, Scotland.
1/30sec @ f/8, ISO 64


Reine church, Lofotens, Norway.
1/15sec @ f/11, ISO 50