Mastering Composition: The Rule of Thirds and Beyond

Let’s get real—when you first start learning photography, everyone talks about the Rule of Thirds like it’s some ancient scroll of wisdom passed down from the photography gods. And honestly? It kind of is. But what no one tells you right away is that it’s just the beginning.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what the Rule of Thirds is, how to use it without overthinking things, and—just as importantly—how to go beyond it to create photos that truly wow. If you’ve ever looked at your photos and thought, “It’s nice, but something’s missing,” then this one’s for you.

What Is the Rule of Thirds (and Why Should You Care)?

Imagine your photo divided into a 3x3 grid—like a game of noughts and crosses. That’s the Rule of Thirds in a nutshell.

You place your subject—or the most important bits of your scene—along the lines or where the lines meet (called the intersections). Why? Because our eyes naturally gravitate to these spots. It's one of the simplest ways to make your photos feel more balanced and engaging.

Why it works:

• It adds balance without being boring.

• It creates natural tension and visual interest.

• It keeps your photos from looking too static.

Quick tip: Most cameras and phones have a setting to overlay this grid on your screen. Turn it on and let it guide your compositions as you get started.

How to Use the Rule of Thirds in Real Life

So you’ve got your grid on. Now what?

Here are a few easy ways to use the Rule of Thirds in your everyday shooting:

1. Place horizons along a third

• Top third: Emphasise the land or subject (great for sunsets in Port Douglas).

• Bottom third: Emphasise the sky—especially when it’s doing something dramatic.

2. Position people or animals on an intersection

• Placing eyes or key focal points on one of the intersections creates connection and interest.

3. Use negative space

• Let your subject breathe. Placing it off to one side can help the image feel more open and dynamic.

 have placed the baby crocodile on the bottom left intersection because it is facing towards the right, therefore placing it in the left half of the image allows the viewer to follow its gaze through the image

 I chose to place the horizon on the bottom horizontal line as the palm tree is a key element in the image which I did not want to crop off. 

I have placed the closest pinnacle along the right vertical line. The second- closest pinnacle is on the bottom left intersection and the rest of the pinnacles are along the bottom horizontal line. This encourages the viewer’s eye to move from one pinnacle to another seamlessly. 

Here the parrot is facing to the left so I have placed his eye on the top right intersection to give him space within the image.

What’s Next

Once you’ve got the Rule of Thirds down, try these other rules:

Leading lines

Use roads, fences, boardwalks, or shadows to guide the viewer’s eye toward your subject.

Framing

Use natural elements like tree branches, doorways, or windows to “frame” your subject and add depth.

Symmetry and centring

Sometimes, placing your subject dead-centre can be powerful—especially with reflections or architectural shots.

Fill the frame

Get close and let your subject dominate the shot. Great for portraits, wildlife, or anything with texture.

And remember: Use your intuition when composing—sometimes the best photos break all the rules, but still feel just right. Trust your gut and take the shot.

Quick Composition Hacks (Perfect for Beginners)

Let’s wrap up with some simple tips you can try right now:

• 📱 Turn on your grid lines to help you visualise the Rule of Thirds.

• 🚶‍♀️ Move around—just changing your angle or stepping to one side can improve your shot.

• 👀 Squint at your scene—does your subject still stand out?

• 💡 Simplify busy backgrounds by adjusting your position or framing tighter.

• 📷 Take three versions of the same photo: one using the Rule of Thirds, one centred, and one breaking the rules. Compare them!

Final Thoughts: Practice Makes Progress

Composition isn’t about being perfect—it’s about learning to see differently. The Rule of Thirds is a fantastic place to start, but the real magic happens when you start playing, experimenting, and trusting your eye.

This post is just a taste of what’s inside my new book, Mastering Photography Composition, where I break down all my favourite techniques with real-life photo examples and easy exercises you can do anywhere. If this post helped, you’ll love what’s in the book.

👉 Check out the book here, or stick around the blog and dive into more tips.