Welcome to the Basics of Food Photography Composition! During this 2-month series, Iâll share some of the tips and tricks Iâve learned, both from actual photography classes as well as from my own experimentation. Check back every week for the next technique!
The Rule of Thirds is one of the most basic and important compositional tools in photography. Pictures are usually more balanced and pleasing when the subject is placed somewhere other than the center of the frame. The best arrangements put the subject in one of the âthirdsâ of the shot.
To find the âthirds,â divide the frame into 3 identical vertical strips; then repeat horizontally to end up with 9 rectangles. While many photographers advise to position the subject at one of the 4 intersections (big dots), Iâll sometimes move my subject entirely into one of the corner boxes.
Leaving the subject in the center of the photo is like getting caught staring at a strangerâs eyes: itâs pretty awkward! Itâs more natural to gaze at their hairline or chinâsomething slightly off-centerâso try using a similar approach in your shots.
I included a few of my favorite photos below to illustrate the Rule of Thirds. All of the âthirdsâ work equally well, although I seem to favor the lowest one!
Now itâs your turn to practice the Rule of Thirds! Feel free to post any questions, comments, or tips in the comments section below!
This advice is fantastic! Photographing the food for my blog is something I want to improve on so I will definitely remember this when I am next taking photos! Thanks
Thanks Cat! I’m so happy you found it useful, and I hope you found my other tips in the Food Photography Composition series just as helpful. You’re already off to a great start with “Repetition” in your Blueberry Muffins and “Triangles” in your Pimm’s Cupcakes! đ