The Rule of Thirds | FUJIFILM X Series & GFX (2024)

The Rule of Thirds | FUJIFILM X Series & GFX (1)

© Ryan Budhu

The Rule of Thirds | FUJIFILM X Series & GFX (2)3 minute read

When it comes to composing great-looking photos, there’s a simple, effective rule that’s been popular with artists for centuries –the rule of thirds. Here’s how it works…

The rule of thirds is one of the easiest and most basic rules of visual composition to use, but it’s also highly effective. Artists of all types (from beginners to experts) use this way of working to guide their audience’s eye around their pictures, and you can trace its history back through the ages.

It works like this: imagine your camera’s viewfinder or viewscreen is split up into thirds both horizontally and vertically. The four places where these lines cross represent ‘compositional hot spots’ where you should try to place the main subject of your photo for maximum impact. That could be a person’s face in a portrait; a lone hilltop house in a landscape picture; or a particularly colourful piece of detail in a street scene.

The Rule of Thirds | FUJIFILM X Series & GFX (3)

Furthermore, straight edges in a scene can be aligned along the imaginary thirds lines themselves –for example the horizon in a landscape. Rather than having this in the middle of the frame, try placing it along a bottom or top ‘thirds line’, so that the picture is dominated by the sky or by the ground in front of you.

The rule of thirds also works when you shoot with your camera upright, and when you select a different frame shape, like square.

The Rule of Thirds | FUJIFILM X Series & GFX (6)

In fact, you don’t have to imagine these thirds lines, as your camera can display them in its viewfinder or on its viewscreen. To turn these on:

STEP 1: Press MENU OK and navigate to the SET UP menu.

STEP 2: Navigate to SCREEN SETTING > DISP. CUSTOM SETTING.

STEP 3: Scroll down the list of options and check FRAMING GUIDELINE by pressing MENU OK.

Now you’ll see your rule-of-thirds lines when you shoot.

The Rule of Thirds | FUJIFILM X Series & GFX (7)

Eventually, using the rule of thirds will become so instinctive you won’t need the camera’s lines turned on, but while you’re getting used to shooting in this way, this is an invaluable way to work.

Your Next Steps

  • CHALLENGE This week, make some time to get out there and shoot pictures that use the rule of thirds. Do it with your camera’s grid lines on, and then switch them off so that you start to do this naturally. Post your five best pictures to social media with the hashtags #learnwithfujifilm and #ruleofthirds. You can also submit your work here for a chance to be featured on our social media channels
  • WATCH Check out our video below to learn more about the rule of thirds

The Rule of Thirds | FUJIFILM X Series & GFX (2024)

FAQs

The Rule of Thirds | FUJIFILM X Series & GFX? ›

The Rule of Thirds

What is rule of thirds in image analysis? ›

The rule of thirds is a composition guideline that places your subject in the left or right third of an image, leaving the other two thirds more open. While there are other forms of composition, the rule of thirds generally leads to compelling and well-composed shots.

What is the aspect ratio of GFX? ›

Whichever GFX camera you have, the G Format sensor has a 'native' aspect ratio of 4:3.

What is the rule of thirds modeling? ›

The rule of thirds is a method of breaking up an image or design into different sections using columns and rows that form a grid. The grid consists of three evenly-spaced rows and columns to make nine equal boxes that fit over the image. The grid on your phone's camera is a great example of this.

Why is the rule of thirds important? ›

The rule of thirds is important because it creates a good balance between the elements in the frame. It helps you decide how much background and foreground are necessary for a visually appealing photograph. It also helps you manage the empty space, especially when your scene has plenty of it.

What is an example of the rule of thirds? ›

The photograph is divided into three unequal parts: the waterfall (the main subject), the pool (foreground), and the sky (background). The waterfall is well aligned with the vertical grid line on the left and flows into the frame towards the bottom right. This helps draw the viewer's attention to one part at a time.

Is GFX full frame? ›

GFX has a sensor that is approximately 1.7 times the size of the full frame.

How big is a GFX? ›

GFX carries a large 43.8mm × 32.9mm sensor. Together with its G Mount lenses, it achieves the look and the feel that only a large format can reproduce. It is also a mirrorless system, meaning the camera and the lens can be smaller and faster.

What does Fujifilm GFX mean? ›

Shorthand for Graphics. Fujifilm GFX series, a line of medium-format digital cameras.

What is the rule of thirds in graphics? ›

One such rule that's well-known is the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds involves splitting the canvas into a 3x3 grid and placing prominent elements along the intersection. In graphic design or photography, this helps draw attention to the various elements and creates a sense of fluidity.

What are the three things rule of thirds creates? ›

Proponents of the technique claim that aligning a subject with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the composition than simply centering the subject. The photograph demonstrates the application of the rule of thirds.

What is the matrix rule of thirds? ›

The fundamental idea behind the Rule of Thirds is to divide an image into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines. With the help of this grid, a matrix of nine different sections, each with an equal number of squares, is produced, serving as the canvas for artistic expression.

What is the rule of thirds in art analysis? ›

The rule of thirds dictates that if you divide any composition into thirds, vertically and horizontally, and then place the key elements of your image along these lines or at the junctions of them, the arrangement achieved will be more interesting, pleasing and dynamic.

What does the rule of thirds divide an image into? ›

The guideline proposes that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections.

What is the rule of thirds in graphic design? ›

There are many graphic design rules to balance all elements and create a harmonious composition. One such rule that's well-known is the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds involves splitting the canvas into a 3x3 grid and placing prominent elements along the intersection.

What is the rule of three used for? ›

The rule of three is a storytelling principle that suggests people better understand concepts, situations, and ideas in groups of three. Over time, the rule has been confirmed by anthropological experts as an archetypal principle that works on three levels: sentences, situations, and stories.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5856

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

Birthday: 1996-01-14

Address: 8381 Boyce Course, Imeldachester, ND 74681

Phone: +3571286597580

Job: Product Banking Analyst

Hobby: Cosplaying, Inline skating, Amateur radio, Baton twirling, Mountaineering, Flying, Archery

Introduction: My name is Kimberely Baumbach CPA, I am a gorgeous, bright, charming, encouraging, zealous, lively, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.