Welcome to the Basics of Food Photography Composition! During this 2-month series, I’ll share some of the tips and tricks I’ve 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 “thirds” of the shot.
To find the “thirds,” 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), I’ll 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 stranger’s eyes: it’s pretty awkward! It’s more natural to gaze at their hairline or chin—something slightly off-center—so 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 “thirds” work equally well, although I seem to favor the lowest one!
Now it’s your turn to practice the Rule of Thirds! Feel free to post any questions, comments, or tips in the comments section below!
I love this series and this post- even though my food photography is shocking and my quality of camera is also miserable, hopefully making this small adjustment will help.
Thanks again, amazing lady 🙂 x
My pleasure! I started out with a Canon point-and-shoot, but learning simple photography techniques immediately improved the quality of my photos. The Rule of Thirds is one of the easiest to use (and improves the photos the most)!
OHhh love it!! I will have to remember this!! I seriously need a nice camera that will break the screen into boxes like this haha. I love the picture of the donuts and PJ pants in the background! PERFECT breakfast food! Unless those are just checkered shorts then disregard that! HA!
I never actually had a camera that broke up the screen (aka I never actually figured out how to actually do that…). Which is why I used to put everything in the corner of a picture — I knew it’d be in one of the thirds that way! ;]
Those are most definitely PJs! I asked my not-so-little brother to help me photograph the donuts. It was the day after Christmas, and neither of us changed out of our PJs all day!
Awesome! I remember learning this way back in middle school when I was on the yearbook staff, but it’s good to have a reminder! I’ll try and be more conscious about setting up my shots this way!
I didn’t notice th pj pants before, but that is too cute!
It took me until high school photography to learn about the Rule of Thirds… Sounds like I should’ve been on the yearbook staff in middle school with you!
(Gotta love PJs… And my brother!!)
I learned about the rule of thirds last year. Most important photography lesson I’ve ever learned and it sticks with me for every photo shoot.
Me too! As a kid, my parents bought me a few of those Kodak disposable cameras, and I was one of the biggest offenders of leaving my subjects in the exact center of the frame. (I cut off a lot of people’s heads too, but that’s a different story!)
Thanks for this post and the series! This is a great tip.
You’re welcome! It’s rewarding to be able to pass along little tips and tricks photographers have taught me. I hope you enjoy the series!
Amy, this is a great tip. I figure I have been doing this all wrong. Please do drop me a line on [email protected] if you are ok with me linking it to my blog (Carole’s Chatter Blog Tips). Cheers
I’ve taken my fair share of “centered” photos too. I also used to be the queen of chopping off people’s heads, so my parents only let me use disposable cameras as a kid!
I love your food, i’m an instructor, management trainer, fitness coach and food maniac. I love your photographs, lately i have been so interested in photographing food. I keep forgetting the rule of thirds. I came across your blog and BAM. Thanks a lot from Egypt. Ahmed
You’re welcome! It’s really easy to forget the simple things; even I forget to use the Rule of Thirds during some of my shoots. Good luck with your food photography!
thanks for the info on the photography tips 🙂
My pleasure, Ally! I have fun putting the posts together, so it’s really rewarding to hear that other people appreciate them.