Tip #3: Avoid "Equalization Lines"

Avoid dividing the picture plane into equal spaces. This is antagonistic to good design.

This idea can be a little confusing, especially since many people automatically assume this means, "Don't put anything in the center of your picture." This is NOT the case!

What it means is that you should not put the EDGE of an important element TOUCHING an equalization line. Examples:

1. Don’t put the horizon line on the equalization line—this divides the picture into equal parts.

2. Don't put the EDGE of the subject, like the roof of a house, the edge of a vase or body part, head, tree trunk, etc., TOUCHING the line. Again, equal parts result.

3. Don't put the CENTER of an important element, like the center of a vase, ON the equalization line. That makes the space on both sides of the subject equal.

Another thing to avoid is placing the CENTER of an important element, like the ball of a nose, the iris of the eye, the center of a flower, ON the BULL'S EYE (exact center of the picture). This is probably what started the confusion about placing the subject in the center of the picture.