Artists have understood this simple rule since the time of the ancient Greeks, and – though nothing can guarantee a good photograph – the rule of thirds is the nearest thing we have to a 'golden formula'.

The basic idea is simple. You draw a horizontal line one third of the way down from the top of the frame and another one one third of the way from the bottom. Do the same thing vertically, so the frame is cut into nine equal squares (like a noughts and crosses board). The key to a pleasing composition is to place the most important part of the scene on one of the four points where the lines intersect, or to place a main horizontal or vertical line along one of the lines.

horizon

Placing the horizon on one of the horizontal lines is a sure fire winner.

It sounds complicated, but it isn't. In fact, if you look at your best photographs you'll invariably find that they conform to some degree to the rule of thirds. And if you remember to place the main point of interest towards one corner, about a third of the way in, you'll find your 'hit rate' increases dramatically. The rule of thirds is especially important in landscape photography, where it defines the placement of the horizon. There are very few situations where placing the horizon bang in the middle of the frame makes for a good picture; those that do work usually follow the rule of thirds anyway (by placing something else, such as a dramatic cloud formation) on one of the horizontal lines.

focus

Although the horizon is very high, the rule of thirds still applies as the main focus of the image is placed on one of the intersections.

In portraiture the rule of thirds usually applies to the eyes, which are placed roughly one third of the way from the top of the frame. The rule is so powerful, and so reliable, that some photographers go as far as etching the lines onto their viewfinders or marking the LCD screen. Many cameras offer a 'rule of thirds' grid display option too.

portrait

When photographing people in a scene you should still aim to place their face on one of the vertical lines – and the eyes near the top right or top left intersection.

Quick tips

1. Use the grid overlay if your camera has it – you'll soon find yourself producing more balanced pictures.

2. Don't treat the rule of thirds as a binding rule – it's a tried and tested guideline, and even if you follow it roughly it'll improve your composition.

3. Just moving your main subject off-centre is usually enough to improve composition.

4. Like all rules this one is made to be broken; don't become a slave to the rule of thirds, just bear it in mind when trying to work out how to frame a scene. It'll soon become second nature.

5. Look back through your favourite photos – both those you've taken and those by others. Try to work out if the rule of thirds applies – you'll be surprised how often it will!