Applying the Rule of Thirds when cropping photos
Good composition can turn a dull photograph into a more compelling one. You can enhance composition by framing and cropping your image the best possible way. One of the tools in PhotoImpact that help you enhance image composition is the Rule of Thirds Crop Tool.
This tool guides you on how to frame your image using the Rule of Thirds, a popular rule in photography. It maintains the idea that the subject need not be at the center of the photograph. Rather, the frame is divided into three parts horizontally and vertically, and the subject is placed into one of the 4 intersecting points. These 4 points are considered to be the major points of interest.
Let us try applying the Rule of Thirds to an image with the subject centered on the canvas.
To crop a photo according to the Rule of Thirds:
1. Open an image and click the Crop button on the Toolbox.
2.
On the Attribute Toolbar, click
. A 3x3 grid will appear. Click and drag your mouse over the image to create a
rectangular marquee with the Rule of Thirds grid. Let's make the subject rest
on the left corner of the grid.
Now, the placement of the subject creates a more aesthetically pleasing and dramatic view of the landscape. The subject is now located at the left side of the grid.
3. Click
to finish.