The rule of thirds is a compositional

tool, whereby the image frame is divided by equally

spaced horizontal and vertical lines at one-third intervals like the eternal game of X and O just spaced equally.

Advocates of the rule claim that aligning a photograph so

that the principal subject is positioned at one of the intersecting

points creates more tension, energy, and interest than

if the subject is positioned centrally.  This Formula basically makes a strong pleasing Photograph.

Let me say first that the rule of thirds works. The magic behind this rule is simple, it opens up the picture space and helps to emphasize not just the

main subject but also surrounding objects and detail. This is

one reason it is popular in landscape photography, where the

photographer often wants the viewer to see the entire scene.

 But what happens if your aim is to isolate the principal subject

from the background? In this instance, the rule of thirds

works to the photographer’s disadvantage because it opens up

the background space, which can take away from the main focus. 

To isolate a subject within the frame,

positioning the subject centrally will create a far better composition,

not necessarily lacking in tension, energy or interest, as the image below shows.