There’s a moment in every photographer’s journey when the rule of thirds becomes second nature. You start seeing imaginary grids everywhere—lining up subjects, balancing horizons, placing points of interest just so. And that’s a good thing. The rule of thirds is a powerful tool. It teaches us how to create visual harmony, how to guide the viewer’s eye, and how to avoid the dreaded “dead centre” trap.

But what happens when that grid starts to feel like a cage?

The truth is, some of the most compelling photographs don’t follow the rule of thirds at all. They centre the subject. They lean into imbalance. They create tension, mystery, or calm in ways that a perfectly divided frame never could. And that’s the beauty of photography—it’s not math. It’s a feeling.

Go with your gut

When you stop obsessing over where the lines fall and start tuning into the energy of the image, something shifts. You begin to notice how a subject’s gaze can pull the weight of a composition. How negative space can speak louder than symmetry. How a slightly off-kilter frame can make a photo feel more alive, more human.

This isn’t about throwing out the rulebook. It’s about knowing the rules well enough to break them with intention. The rule of thirds is a great place to start—but it’s not the only way to see. Trust your instincts. Let your eye wander. Let your subject breathe. And most importantly, let your photography be a reflection of how you feel, not just what you’ve been taught.

Because in the end, a photograph doesn’t have to be “correct” to be unforgettable. It just has to be honest.

Watch the video  and I hope you will enjoy it. Feel free to add any comment about this subject at the bottom of the page.