Understanding the rule of thirds
There's a very good reason some shots feel wonderful to look at
Whether you’re just starting out in corporate video production - or any other video production for that matter - you will no doubt have heard mention of the ‘rule of thirds’. It’s like a magic formula for creating beautifully framed shots every time, and with a little practise you’ll soon find yourself approaching every set up with this at the forefront of your mind quite naturally.
Imagine a grid laid over your frame - in fact on many cameras (even your phone) you can select to have this grid on your viewfinder at all times which is actually very helpful. It’s constructed of two vertical and two horizontal lines of equal distance apart from one another (as in the image).
This grid gives a great reference point for areas of the frame where you should position your focal point(s). In the example given here you see the little girls head sitting perfectly between the two horizontal lines, and her eyes intersect the grid line on the right.
These grid lines map out the rule of thirds perfectly every time
When framing up your shot the rule of thirds will ensure a perfectly balanced frame every time. For example, in an interview setup you want to position your contributors eyes along the upper horizontal line, either on the left or right intersection depending on which side the interviewer is sitting, or perfectly in the middle if they’re delivering to camera. Similarly, when framing up a cutaway or supporting imagery try to ensure your focal point lies either somewhere along the intersection of these grid lines or slap bang in the centre.
Credit: Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)
Of course there are always exceptions to this rule. Often when you see unusually framed shots in films for example it’s in order to create a sense of uncomfortable or unease within the scene. Take this example from Hunt for the Wilderpeople, where Ricky Baker is having to get used to his new foster family. He’s framed in the bottom centre of this whole shot with so much emptiness around him, which is representative of the way he’s feeling about his whole life situation.
Grab your camera and put the rule of thirds to the test
It’s a really interesting exercise to head out with your camera and just snap lots of photos using the rule of thirds, either by following or breaking the rule. Test it out and see what you think of the results, asking yourself why you think it might or might not work so well in each case.
We’ve also set up a free supportive WhatsApp group. It’s a safe space to ask questions and share advice between small business and third sectors employees who’re looking for support in creating great video content. You’re welcome to come and join in the conversation anytime.