Easy Photography Composition Rules | Rule of Odds
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Today, we’re diving into one of the oddest photography composition rules: the Rule of Odds. According to the “Rule of Odds,” you can instantly create better images by applying it to your compositions. In this article, you’ll learn what it is and how to use it. At the end I'll share a bonus pro tip to create better images. If you’re ready, let’s do it! So, what exactly is the Rule of Odds composition rule in photography? Well, this “rule” suggests an image is more visually appealing when it contains an odd number of elements or subjects rather than an even number. For example, three is better than two. However, like any photo composition rule, it should be a guideline, not a hard and set rule. Okay, so the Rule of Odds, or the Guideline of Odds as it should be called, is based on the idea that odd numbers create a sense of balance and harmony that is more dynamic and engaging to the viewer’s eye. Again, take this with a grain of salt… especially when photographing couples and sometimes three is a crowd. Anyway, the Rule of Odds is probably better suited for wildlife, landscapes, or images of nature than for portraits of people. Another question I get about the Rule of Odds is whether your subjects should all be the same or be different. We’ll explore that question later.
Rule of Odds Photo Composition Example
Canoers at Painted Lakeshore While hiking at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan, I stumbled onto this scene and quickly created this image. Besides the colorful water along the shoreline, it’s a little boring. After a few minutes, I was rewarded with my patience when this group of kayakers paddled into the frame. Luckily, five aligned perfectly with the Rule of Odds, creating a more engaging photo with a sense of balance and energy. But is five really better than four in this context? I’m not entirely sure. Let me know what you think in the comments!
Rule of Odds Photo Composition Example 2
This past year, I visited family in Arizona. Along the way, I stopped in the Bisti Badlands in New Mexico. After walking around for about an hour, I came across these hoodoos, which were around 10-12 in this area. Creating a strong composition with so many hoodoos was challenging, but the Rule of Odds worked perfectly when I focused on these three.
Rule of Odds Diminishing Returns
This brings me to an important pro tip when using the Rule of Odds: the return on investment diminishes when you include too many subjects—like seven, nine, or more. Here’s why: Overcrowding can make your photo look too busy and cluttered. In the case of the hoodoos, when I tried to include five or more, it became difficult to separate them clearly within the frame. I ran into a similar issue with these wild horses galloping through the isolated desert of New Mexico.
Although there are five horses, which fits the Rule of Odds, the “rule” doesn’t quite work because one horse is partially hidden, making the scene feel less cohesive. However, I still love this photo, and I intentionally blurred the action with a slow shutter speed of 1/60th of a second to emphasize their speed, which adds to the story of this image.
Rule of Odds Diminishing Returns 2
Here’s another example of diminishing returns. We have a lot of cacti, let’s say 97. Although it fits the “Rule,” we can’t visually make them out individually. So, it doesn’t count. Now, remember that the Rule of Odds isn’t a guaranteed solution. It works wonderfully in some scenarios but isn’t always the best choice, especially when your frame is crowded or subjects overlap awkwardly. This is why it’s essential to learn as many composition rules and techniques as possible to choose the one—or a combination—that best suits your scene and subjects. Check out this composition playlist to learn over thirty techniques and rules for creating amazing images.