The writer has three sources: imagination, observation, and experience
William Faulkner
Searching for a good quote about the power of three I came across the one above. It got me wondering if the same could be said of other art forms, including photography. My conclusion? Yes, definitely. Our imaginations help us to visualise what an image could look like. Observation of course is key; we must look properly to discover subjects worth capturing. And experience tells us what will work and what will not, and how to compose a photograph to create maximum impact.
This week for the Lens Artists challenge Tina has suggested that we explore not the well-known ‘rule of thirds’ but the less often considered ‘rule of threes’. Like many other photographic ‘rules’ of composition this isn’t a rule at all, but rather a compositional guideline.
So why is grouping things in threes so effective?
As a general rule, a group of three in a picture is particularly pleasing to the eye and can hold the attention of the viewer for longer than a group of even numbers. This is true of any odd number but especially so of three. There are several reasons for this:
Three creates balance without symmetry
An even-numbered grouping tends to influence us into dividing the things we see into pairs. This can create a sense of symmetry and stability, but it may also make the composition seem more static. With three objects, there is balance but not perfect symmetry. The eye has to move around the composition instead of splitting it into matching halves, which creates more visual interest.
Three establishes a clear relationship
When there are only two main elements in an image, the relationship between them is simple: subject A versus subject B, left versus right, big versus small. A third element introduces complexity. It can act as a focal point, standing out among the others; it can provide a contrasting element; or it can create a triangle. Triangular compositions naturally guide the eye around the image rather than allowing it to remain static in one spot, thus creating interest.
Arranging your three subjects
When you start to explore this concept, you realise that how you arrange your threesome influences the impact of the image. Three in a line is more restful, while a triangle is more dynamic. One isn’t better or worse than the other; it depends what effect you want to create. You can also add dynamism by featuring one of the three more strongly than the other two. Maybe it stands out by being closer to the camera, or by being in focus when the other two are blurred, or by being more brightly lit. Meanwhile, three subjects with equal emphasis will be more harmonious and create a different ‘feel’.
Have a look at my choices for this challenge and let me know if you agree that these groups of three make for pleasing compositions.
You will have seen some of these images previously, among them my feature photo which was taken at a traditional music and dance festival at Nizwa Fort in Oman. However I hope quite a few are new to you.
PEOPLE
Watching a religious ceremony in the Buddhist temple of Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Patan, Nepal
Village elders in Narlai, Rajasthan
On the beach at Lulworth Cove in Dorset, England
At Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal
On the ramparts of Galle Fort, Sri Lanka
NATURE
At Wild Grass Nature Resort near Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
In Mount Rainier National Park, Washington State
By the beach in Praia do Faro, Portugal
At Bohol Beach Club in the Philippines
Winter teasels at Druridge Bay, north east England
MISCELLANEOUS
Outside a kipper-smoking shed in Craster, Northumberland, north east England
Lamps for sale in Nizwa Souk, Oman
Empty chairs in the Jardins du Luxembourg, Paris
At the Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery, Pyongyang, North Korea
In an old cemetery near Tallinn, Estonia
47 Comments
equinoxio21
All great of course.
I always love your people photos best. (And the rest too, but people have that magic don’t they?)
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you, and you’re not alone in liking the people shots best it seems 😊
grandmisadventures
Great collection of threes. I think my favorite is actually the group of chairs because it feels like you just missed whatever conversation was happening there
Sarah Wilkie
Many thanks Meg 🙂 That’s an interesting observation about the chairs!
Wandering Dawgs
Sarah, these are amazing groups of three. I love the groups of three people.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Beth, I’m really pleased you like the people photos in particular as I think they may be my own favourites 😊
rkrontheroad
Nice collection. The people trios made me smile.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Ruth 🙂 They say that three’s a crowd but I found plenty of examples!
Sofia Alves
Excellent! I knew from your opener that your street photography would work wonders for this challenge but they are all equally fantastic.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Sofia 😊 In fact the musicians posed for that opening shot so it isn’t strictly a street photo, but the other people ones were!
restlessjo
The guys with the turbans worked best on the dynamic front, for me, but there are some fine images here, Sarah xx
Sarah Wilkie
Many thanks Jo 🙂 I agree that shot has a particularly pleasing arrangement of the three!
Sue
Thought I had commented on this post already. Great set of trees I like all your florals, that kipper smoking house and the one from the cemetery
Sarah Wilkie
Many thanks Sue 🙂 That kipper smoking house is a surprising hit this week!
Sue
Good image selecting! 😀
Leya
Wonderful collection – and as I hoped, there would be people in them. It is always a treat to see your posts, Sarah!
Sarah Wilkie
Very many thanks – I’m flattered that you like my people images so much 😊
wetanddustyroads
Hmm, ‘Three in a line is more restful’ … you taught me a few things about three’s, Sarah 😉. Even before I opened your post, I knew there would be a couple of people photos (which are always beautiful), but it is the fish on the wall that are my favourite today.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Corna 😊I think Craster, where I took that fish photo, is the sort of place you’d love – a small fishing village on the rather wild north east coast with a lovely harbour, cosy pub and some great walks in the immediate area!
norasphotos4u
Wonderful gallery of 3’s
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you very much Nora 🙂
bushboy
Fabulous variety Sarah. I like the crosses, all the flowers and chairs
Sarah Wilkie
Many thanks Brian 😊 I tried to get a variety of things into the post so I’m pleased you found several different ones to enjoy!
Teresa
I could imagine you having a lot of examples for this. These are all amazing, especially the people photos… really your specialty !
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you very much Teresa 😊 Yes, I did have rather a lot of shots I could have used and had to weed some out or the post would have been far too long!
Vicki
What a stunning collection of ‘threes’, Sarah.
I love the images of the 3 people on your travels. They are an excellent choice for the challenge.
I also like the 3 kippers on the stone wall. What an interesting way to advertise your wares.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Vicki 😊 I’m glad you like the people shots as I especially enjoyed putting that section together!
Rose
There is ‘something’ about a grouping of three. All your images do a great job of showing why it works. I especially like all the flowers. 🌻💮🌸🪷🌷
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Rose, I’m glad you enjoyed these threesomes, especially the flowers 😃
Suzanne
Sarah, well written about a topic we take for granted, without fully realising why we enjoy certain types of images. Though not into capturing strangers, I do appreciate yours.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you very much Suzanne 😊
Marie
I love threes! As always, I’m in awe of your portraits – I’m still a total chicken when it comes to photographing people when I’m away. I like the village elders but mainly because of their colourful headgear. But my favourite is your first photo…a wonderful pose…
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Marie 😊 Those musicians in Oman were very happy to pose for me, while everyone in India seems to positively enjoy being included in tourist photos!
Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter
Your groups of three people are all so vibrant and natural. Even the folks with their backs to us make it clear something’s going on. My favourites though are the village elders and the young monks in Kathmandu.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you very much Anabel 😊 I’m fond of that village elders shot myself, and I’ve been looking for an excuse to share the monks in Kathmandu!
Alli Templeton
I’m fascinated by the thinking (or is it science?) behind the use of three in art. You explain it all clearly and then illustrate it perfectly, Sarah. Each photo shows exactly why the rule of three works so well. The flowers are all amazing, and I love the cheery Sri Lankan monks. Even the three empty chairs in the Paris gardens works brilliantly! This collection really showcases your experience, your observational skills and your wonderful imagination!
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Alli 😊 To be honest I had to research it a bit in order to first get it straight in my head and then write about it, but when I started to look through my photos I realised I often do photograph groups of three – they must somehow just look right!
Alli Templeton
Ah, the instinct of a true professional! 🙂
Monkey's Tale
It seems as if things group in threes for you. Love the Oman men. Maggir
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks Maggie 🙂 I have other sized groups too but I certainly found plenty of threes for this challenge!
margaret21
I liked your clear explanation at the beginning Sarah, and of course the images. I was particularly taken by your village elders in Narlai, Rajasthan, and the flower images.
Sarah Wilkie
Many thanks Margaret 😊 I had to do a bit of research into why ‘three’ works so well in compositions, but I found it was something I often do instinctively!
margaret21
I think many of us do. Fancy being Fine Photographers without even knowing it? 😉(well, you are, for sure!)
Tina Schell
A wonderful set of images Sarah, I loved them all. The crosses and the smoking shed were my favorites this week. I also liked the way you presented them with the black and white borders. Very effective.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you very much Tina 😊 This was an interesting challenge, especially as I hadn’t seen ‘three’ as a compositional rule before! I’m glad you liked my layout – I often like to display my photos in this manner so I’m pleased it worked for you.
Anne Sandler
Awesome response Sarah. I liked that you included all types of “threes,” but your street photography is exceptional.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Anne 😊 That’s something I do really enjoy so I’m glad you feel it’s successful!