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How to Shoot a Wedding in the Rule of Thirds

In photography, the rule of thirds is a rudimentary compositional principle. The rule predates the invention of photography, and was originally used by landscape painters to create a visually harmonious arrangement on the canvas. Much attention is given to the rule in elementary photography courses, as it teaches the student to use the boundaries of the frame to his advantage. While strict adherence to this rule isn't always necessary, it is helpful when shooting large, busy groups of people, such as at a wedding reception or after-party.

Things You'll Need

Camera
Tripod (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Find a vantage point which provides an unobstructed view of your intended subject or group of people. If you're planning a posed shot, arrange your subjects as desired. If you're aiming for a candid approach, move about until you find a suitable position.
- 2
  Adjust your camera's settings as needed. While automatic mode will produce satisfactory results in average lighting conditions, you may wish to switch to aperture priority mode and select a wide aperture -- f/4 or below -- for indoor or low-light areas. A high ISO, or sensor sensitivity, will also provide acceptable low-light results.
- 3
  Look through the viewfinder and imagine that the frame is divided into a grid of nine squares of the same size.
- 4
  Move the camera, or shift your shooting location, so that the faces of your subjects align with the squares' points of intersection. These intersections are considered the main points of interest within the frame.
- 5
  Press the shutter button to take your picture. Review the shot on your camera's preview screen. Recompose and reshoot if desired.

Photography