Scrapbooking with the Rule of Thirds

While taking photographs with my camera, I often compose my photographs using the “Rule of Thirds.” In addition to photography, I have also found the rule of thirds to be helpful while designing layouts.

When working on a layout design I often have a design element (photograph, title or other element) that is the layout’s central point of interest. By placing my point of interest on the intersecting points of the thirds, I can add focus and interest to the layout.

Additionally, layout design is more interesting when the point of interest is off center, whether horizontally or vertically. By following the rule of thirds, the point of interest is automatically placed off center.

To understand the rule of thirds, divide the layout into equally distant horizontal and vertical lines – two in each direction. These lines divide the layout into thirds. So for a 12” x 12” layout, the horizontal and vertical lines would be at 4 inches and 8 inches. The imaginary lines would be placed like the example below.

The lines create four intersecting points, which are the areas to where the eye is drawn. These intersecting points make excellent spots to place your point of interest. When I designed the layout, Junior Girl Scouts, I wanted the point of interest to be on the photograph of my daughter. To get the effect, I placed that photograph in the upper left intersecting point.

In another layout, Be My Friend, I used the horizontal line a third of the way down as a guide for placing my title.

You can practice using the rule of thirds on your layouts. Position your point of interest at one of the intersections of the lines. Often this simple exercise draws attention to the point of interest.

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