Take a photo using rule of thirds
Use a camera or phone grid to take photos applying the rule of thirds, placing subjects on grid lines to practice composition and compare results.
Step-by-step guide to take a photo using the rule of thirds
How to Use the Rule of Thirds in Your Photos! 📸 | Photography Tutorial for Kids
Step 1
Turn on the camera grid in your phone or camera settings so you see two horizontal and two vertical lines.
Step 2
Pick a plain background like a wall or a sheet and stand your subject in front of it.
Step 3
Place your subject roughly along the left vertical grid line.
Step 4
Move closer or farther until the subject and some background fit nicely inside the frame.
Step 5
Tap the shutter button to take a photo.
Step 6
Move your subject to the center of the frame.
Step 7
Tap the shutter button to take a second photo.
Step 8
Move your subject to the right vertical grid line.
Step 9
Tap the shutter button to take a third photo.
Step 10
Place your subject at one of the grid intersections (where a vertical and horizontal line cross).
Step 11
Tap the shutter button to take a fourth photo.
Step 12
Look at all four photos on your screen.
Step 13
Write one sentence in your notebook about which photo you like best and why.
Step 14
Share your favorite photo on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if my phone or camera doesn't show a grid or I don't have a plain sheet background?
If your device lacks a grid, install a free camera-grid app or print a grid to hold as a guide, and if you don't have a plain sheet use a blank wall, poster board, or solid-colored blanket as the background.
My photos keep coming out blurry or the subject isn't lining up on the grid—how can I fix that?
Tap the screen to focus on your subject before you tap the shutter, hold the phone steady or use a small tripod or table for support, and move yourself until the subject aligns with the left/center/right grid lines in the steps.
How can I adapt this rule-of-thirds activity for younger kids or make it more challenging for older kids?
For younger children let a parent hold or place a favorite toy on the left/center/right grid lines and help write the one-sentence note, while older kids can try different backgrounds, change focal length, take extra variations, and write a paragraph analyzing which composition works best.
How can we extend or personalize the photos after taking the four shots and writing our sentence?
Create a four-photo collage labeling each position (left, center, right, intersection), add the notebook sentence as a caption, experiment with props or color edits, and upload your favorite to DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to take a photo using the rule of thirds
Unit: Photography for Kids | Lesson 1: Rule of Thirds
4 Videos
Unit: Photography for Kids | Lesson 1: Rule of Thirds
5 Tips to Use the RULE OF THIRDS Like a Professional Photographer
What Is the Rule of Thirds in Photography? A Simple Guide for Better Photos
Understanding the RULE of THIRDS - How to INSTANTLY IMPROVE your Photos & Videos with Framing
Facts about photography for kids
🔬 A common practice is to take both centered and rule-of-thirds versions of the same shot so you can compare which composition tells the story best.
📱 Most smartphone camera apps include a grid overlay you can turn on to help line up the rule of thirds while you shoot.
🖼️ The golden ratio is another composition tool artists and photographers use — it’s similar in purpose but uses a different, mathematical proportion.
📷 The rule of thirds splits an image into 9 equal parts with two horizontal and two vertical lines — the intersections are great spots for subjects.
🎯 Those intersection points are sometimes called “power points” because placing a subject there often makes photos feel more dynamic than centering.
How do I teach my child to take a photo using the rule of thirds?
What materials or equipment do we need to practice rule of thirds photography?
What ages is rule of thirds photography suitable for children?
What are safe tips and fun variations for practicing the rule of thirds with kids?
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