Wondering when would it be appropriate to break the rule of third.

The "rule" of thirds is a little misleading in the title - it really is more of a "guide" of thirds.



Of course, getting the subject/main focal point on one of the guide lines or on one of the red spots in the image above more often than not leads to a more aesthetically pleasing image and therefore it is a handy guide to have.

This, however, is only a guide, as this famous image by Sam Abell demonstrates. The prow of the boat is centred in the lower half of the shot and the horizon is bang on the middle. Sounds like it should fail the aesthetic test but the reality is that it is a great shot which works very well.

Rules are made to be broken.

Now this is merely opinion to as of when we should break it I guess here, so just take note before you go ahead and read the rest.

I personally think that the reason why that famous photo works so well having brokin the R.O.T. is because the photo is pretty dang close to being symmetrical.

Symmetry is very appealing to the human eyes because the photo is perfectly proportioned and balanced. And we as humans love balance.

So, I feel that if you have a photo that is not symmetrical, nor R.O.T.'d, then it will be an unappealing photo.

Now, I could be wrong, there could be completely unbalanced and disproportionate photos out there that I mgiht have not noticed or even seen yet.

So take this with a grain a salt I guess. Hope I might have helped to SOME degree.