What is the rule of thirds in shot composition?

• A. It divides the frame into three equal parts to guide framing.
• B. It divides the frame into nine equal parts with two vertical and two horizontal lines, guiding placement of key elements.
• C. It refers to one third of the shot's duration.
• D. It prescribes camera distances at one-third stop.

Answer: (B)

At the heart of the rule of thirds is imagining a grid that splits the frame into nine equal parts with two vertical and two horizontal lines. You place the main subject along those lines or at their intersections, which creates a more dynamic, balanced image and guides the viewer’s eye naturally through the frame. This helps with decisions like where to place a horizon or a character’s eyes and is a staple in shot composition. The other ideas describe different concepts—dividing into three parts, timing a shot, or adjusting distance by thirds of a stop—none of which are about where elements live within the frame.