A photographer and philanthropist, Benjamin Perlin owns a wide range of cameras. He works with both digital and film photography. However, he typically prefers film and enjoys developing pictures using darkroom printing processes. Benjamin “Ben” Perlin regards himself as a natural photographer and he instinctively views the world within the frame of a picture.

1. PHOTOGRAPH
COMPOSITION - THE
RULE OF THIRDS
Benjamin Perlin

2. Introduction
 A photographer and philanthropist, Benjamin Perlin
owns a wide range of cameras. He works with both
digital and film photography. However, he typically
prefers film and enjoys developing pictures using
darkroom printing processes. Benjamin “Ben” Perlin
regards himself as a natural photographer and he
instinctively views the world within the frame of a
picture.
One of the most basic principles of photography, the
rule of thirds relates to a picture’s composition. It
involves breaking an image into nine parts by dividing
it into thirds both horizontally and vertically. These
lines help photographers determine where to place
their points of interest to ensure their picture is
engaging and balanced.

3. Rule of Thirds
 According to the rule of thirds, pictures with points of interest
on the intersections or along the lines are more balanced and
pleasing to view. When viewers look at a picture, their eyes
naturally go to one of these intersections even though the
lines are not actually visible. As a result, off-center
compositions give pictures a better sense of direction and
appear more natural than compositions that place a focal
point directly in the center.
Although the rule of thirds serves as a good guideline,
photographers do not need to perfectly line their picture up
with these invisible lines every time. Further, the rule of thirds
does not always have to be followed. There are numerous
situations when the rule of thirds is best ignored and certain
shots do not include a specific focal point that can be neatly
lined up.