What Is Wrong With My Shot?

There may not be anything seriously wrong. Sometimes all it takes is a quick crop to make a huge improvement. Yes, you can use a photo editing program to do this, but there is an easier way and it reduces editing time. Very often, there is an inclination to place the horizon line in
the middle of a shot.

Pier in Mexico shot with horizon and subject
in the middle of the shot.

Rule of thirds grid overlaid on frame.

Compare these shots and notice the differences when placing the horizon/main subject in the centre of the frame versus placing it in the lower third of the frame.

Take a second look at the scene before you press the shutter button. Is the sky or the upper third of the shot more interesting? Or is the foreground, the bottom third better? Decide which you like, then recompose your shot and place either the background or the foreground in the top or bottom third of the frame.

Shot framed with the horizon line and pier in the lower third
of the shot.

Final product - Which photo has more interest and draws
your eye better?

This technique is known as the “Rule of Thirds.” Placing your main subject in the upper, bottom, right or left third of the shot adds interest and is pleasing to the viewer’s eye. Be careful, though, that you don't leave a wide empty space. You can avoid this by placing a smaller, less important object in the background or fill the frame with the main subject matter. This isn’t to say that every photo has to abide by the “rule.” It’s a general guideline and there are times when not following the rules works.

So, don’t be afraid to take a few shots and experiment.

Assignment

Give it a try. Grab your camera and your favourite scene. Make sure you take one shot with the horizon in the centre of the frame. Then take a few more, placing the horizon in the upper and lower thirds. Look at them full screen on your computer and decide which you prefer.