The Rule of Thirds

The Rule of Thirds is to do with how a photograph is taken, it is breaking down an image so that the image is split up into nine boxes and how a subject is placed within an image.
It is a theory which states that if the image has points of interest along the lines, then the image will look more balanced and more naturalistic therefore making it more natural and appealing to the viewer.

It can be applied to both portraits and landscapes. It has been proved that when a person looks at an image their eye does not automatically go to the centre, instead our eyes naturally travel to one of the intersection points on the grid. Using this rule it places the image into one of the intersections and creates a more dynamic image which is more virtually appealing.

Some more examples

Information and images sourced from:
http://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds/

http://learnprophotography.com/rule-of-thirds

http://www.ultimate-photo-tips.com/photography-rule-of-thirds.html​

http://www.photographymad.com/pages/view/rule-of-thirds

http://www.digital-photo-secrets.com/tip/2742/why-does-the-rule-of-thirds-work/

http://blog.yoorec.com/2014/01/la-regla-de-los-tercios/?lang=en