The Rule of Three and Thirds: Design, Architecture, and Photography

Easy
A friend of mine is a phenomenal photographer, you can see her work over at Stefanie Photography . We have worked together on a few projects. If you follow my blog, you know I style photo shoots, and provide design consultation, among other things. The rule of three can be seen in the picture below. Please note, the rule of THREE is not the same thing as the rule of THIRDS. I will dissect both for you later on. Just stay with me.
Here is how YOU can decorate JUST like the professionals in the magazines and on T.V. Make sure you click on the URL for more examples and details!
I recently explained to her the rule of three.We were working on a back to school photo shoot and she asked how I made it look so "easy" when styling or setting up a tablescape. I told her it pretty much is easy when you follow the rule of Three.


The rule of three in design and architecture is quite simple. When styling or designing something, (a tablescape, a building, a living room, etc) group items in either threes or odd numbers. Take a look at the picture above, for example. The cake is surrounded by a set of napkins and ribbon on either side, it is grouped into three. To the left, there is another group of three items: the jar with marshmallows, the cups and plates. To the right, yet another set of threes. Also, the two paper fans are grouped into a three with the cake in front of them. There are also, if you look at the picture, triangles present in almost every group of three.
Photographers, the rule of three works in photoshoots that have a theme to them. To disambiguate, the rule of THIRDS "is not about the number [of items or groups], it is about placement of the focal point in the frame" as my other INCREDIBLY talented photog friend, Aneta of Yellow Lollipop Photography pointed out to me.
Photo by Ciburbanity


Do you see it!? If you draw a grid, the sweet, gorgeous baby is sitting right in the third of the placement of the photo! Divide the picture up mentally for me, will you? Divide it into thirds both horizontally and vertically. She's off center. Her face is a perfect third. :)
Now back to design! The rule of THREE, is just what I mentioned before! Grouping items into threes or odd numbers. Let's look at some examples of that, yes?
From my Christmas mantel- a grouping of three
From my Valentine's Day mantel- a grouping of three
Photo by Ciburbanity- She grouped three books together
Photo by Country Living- There are groups of three everywhere here! For more examples and details, please check out the URL below!
Evey's Creations
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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