The Rule of Thirds [Project 24 #2]

I love learning something new!  When I looked at topic #2 for Project 24, I realized that it must be referring to something photographic.  The Rule of Thirds is a guide for off-center placement of the subject in photographs.  This may even improve my own EXTREMELY amateur photos.  But I also love how it explains why some pictures are aesthetically pleasing while others flop.  Because while I don’t take outstanding photos, I definitely appreciate looking at them. There is something almost instinctive about looking at and liking a photo that follows this rule. 

Rule of Thirds -- Explained and Displayed

Apart from the photographic applications of the Rule of Thirds, when I first read those words, I had an entirely different thought.  In my home, the rule of thirds is very much active – every time I have something to give to my three adorable little cretins!  Every parent can understand what I mean by this.  “If she gets some, then I get some!”  This reaction is also quite instinctive, even in my just-turned-2-year-olds.  And I am forever cutting treats into thirds, dividing toys into three equal piles, and spending a third of my free time snuggling with each child (although they have attempted, with some success, to share equal parts of my lap).  Sometimes this task is daunting, nay, overwhelming!  There is only so much of me to go around, and sometimes it seems like they are getting a third of nothing – no time, no energy, no patience, no sanity!  But I am daily grateful that – while I may be splitting up my life offerings in a manner befitting Houdini – all three of my children get to be loved 100%!

[Project 24 is a Creative Photography Challenge that I am applying to my own art form -- writing -- and pursuing with several photographer friends via Facebook.]