The Rule of Thirds is overrated

I have a bit of a struggle with the 'rule of thirds'.

The Rule of Thirds is overrated

I have a bit of a struggle with the ‘rule of thirds’. While it is quite helpful in some ways, there are also obvious negatives to it. Below I will describe my biggest objections as well as my use of the "rule of thirds.

Rules limit your creativity

My biggest objection to the 'rule of thirds' is the fact that it is a rule. A rule is something you have to follow. That you have to behave according to the rules. And where most rules do serve a purpose - we all drive on the right (a few islanders aside) - I would prefer to think of this "rule" as a guideline.

After all, a guideline means you can use it. And that, of course, is much better than always applying it just because it's the way it should be. By breaking with this 'guideline' every now and then, you will get more surprising images than just the subjects in the same position in all photos. Boring!

So let your creativity flow and don't worry about those lines.

The rule is inadequate

It is not the right "guid…