Rule of Thirds Composition and Exceptions: Use Composition Guidelines as a Starting Point

Use the rule of thirds as a reference for positioning

Composition is choosing how to frame your shot. You can imagine a grid of three rows and three columns on the framing screen, place the subject or important elements near the grid lines or intersections, and then compare different positions. The grid is used to assist observation and does not require the subject to fall exactly on a certain point. 〔G-COMP-01, G-COMP-02〕

Compare centered and offset framing

Try both centered and offset framing of the same scene to see which one better suits what you want to emphasize. The rule of thirds is just a starting point; Adobe gives examples of deliberate deviations from the rule of thirds, such as centered subjects. Whether or not to use it depends on the specific scene, and there is no single rule that must be applied to every photo. 〔G-COMP-03, G-COMP-04〕

Adjust the horizon according to the screen content

When shooting landscapes, you can compare the effects of placing the horizon above, below, or near the center line of the frame. Nikon recommends placing it above or below the center line in most cases; if the subject contains reflections, centering the horizon may also allow the scene above to correspond to the reflection below. Just think of it as a comparable compositional choice. 〔G-COMP-05〕