How to Effectively Break the Rule of Thirds

Like most creative rules and guidelines, one must thoroughly understand the rule of thirds before he or she can effectively break it in video production. Contrary to popular belief, the rule of thirds was not actually created by photographers or filmmakers. In fact, it was painters in the Renaissance period who discovered that by placing the subject in the top, bottom, left or right third of the frame, the picture told more of a story. 

As the rule of thirds has lived on through all types of creative mediums, artists of various breeds in Utah and across the globe have been able to successfully and unsuccessfully break this rule. Below are three ways to tastefully disobey the rule of thirds. 

Dead Center

Placing the subject in the absolute center is a bold strategy in a sense. One must have an understanding of symmetry and strive for all objects in the picture to be even in weight on either side of the subject. 

For a reference for how to use symmetry in video production, watch any given movie clip from renowned filmmaker Wes Anderson. 

Emphasize Edges 

Emphasizing the edges is a technique commonly used by photographers and filmmakers in Utah and nationwide. It is particularly effective when shooting landscape scenes where the sky is a primary focus. In this case, one can leave only a tiny fraction of ground in the picture by moving it all the way to the edge of the frame. 

Corners 

This is undoubtedly an experimental strategy, but has been proven to be effective. Most of the time in video production and photography, the artist will attempt to blur out or deemphasize the corners. To catch viewers off guard and make them look at a picture in a new light, try placing the subject in one of the top or bottom corners of the frame. 

For more information on video production or personal help with your company’s online video content, contact an agency in Utah or a location near you. 

Broc Waring writes for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. He writes for many other clients as well.