Photography Forums

Where to place your subject in the photo? Do you place it at the center? This is usually what we will tend to do. When we are confronted with an awesome view, it is our naturally instinct to point our camera right at the face of our subject and capture it. We care less about the overall composition of the photo. We just want to capture that awesome view.

This usually happens when we are on a tour where we need to rush from places to places. This is especially so when you are traveling with a tour group where you are only given a limited time to view the place. Given this fact, you almost always just want to capture as many shots as possible leaving you no time for a proper composition.

However, if you have sufficient time to capture your shot, you should take time to compose it. So, where should you place your subject in the composition? As a rule, you should avoid placing your subject at the center. Sound strange, isn’t it? After all, the subject should be at the center of attention. However, you will be surprise with the effect it you start to shift your subject away from the center.

So, how do you do it? You can use the rule-of-thirds. Basically, what you need to do is to divide your view finder into nine squares or rectangles. You draw two imaginary horizontal lines and two vertical lines in your view finder to form a grid. Using this simple technique can dramatically improve your composition. When you have done that, focus your subject at one of the intersection point. Focus it and shot. For a better understand of this techniques, please see below.


One of the points to take note when putting your subject off center is your focus point. The default center focus point can be a bit tricky. What you need to do is to focus at the subject, lock the focus and then reframe the whole composition before you shot. This needs some practice.

However, if you digital SLR comes with various focus points, then your job will be easier. You can select from the various focus points present in the camera. If you have one of these cameras, read the instruction manual on how to make use of them.

Place the subject of interest is an important element of photography. You can use the rule-of-thirds to improve the overall composition of your work. Test it out and see the difference. For more information, please visit Freelance Photography.

Please advise that we are a photography community based forum, feel free to register here

John Peace enjoys photography and maintained a website providing information on photography. He invites you to visit his website, Freelance Photography to learn more about this exciting hobby. You can even make a living out of it at home! Believe it or not. Visit the link at: Freelance photography | Photography Career | Photography Jobs | Photography Equipment