Gallery: the power of three

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.