The Rule of Thirds is a compositional guideline where an image is divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. Placing the main subject, which is the primary focal point of the image, or other key compositional elements along these lines or at their intersections typically creates a balanced and aesthetically pleasing composition. An expert intentionally places the main thing not on a Rule of Thirds line, but right off to the side, meaning very close to the frame's edge or corner, to achieve a strong, unusual look when specific artistic or communicative goals outweigh the conventional balance of the Rule of Thirds. This deliberate extreme off-center placement is smart in several specific situations. First, it is used to emphasize negative space. Negative space refers to the empty or open space around and between the subject(s) in an image. By pushing the main subject to the periphery, the expert makes the vast expanse of negative space a dominant compositional element, which can convey a powerful sense of isolation, vastness, contemplation,....
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