Filming & Production

Rule of thirds

Also called: thirds grid

Two vertical lines and two horizontal lines cut the frame into nine. The convention puts your subject on one of those lines, ideally where two cross, and the horizon on the upper or lower third. Most cameras and phones will draw the grid for you.

Eyes matter more than bodies. A talking-head frame generally works once the eyes sit on the upper third line, whatever the rest of the composition is doing. It is a habit and a starting point, so break it when you mean to.

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