The Rule of Thirds… It is mostly used when cholesterol-free/low salt pizza — with whole wheat dough — is made. Three pieces of whole wheat flat bread are placed on a pizza pan (which is a dandy rule of thirds). Then the Golden Ratio takes effect, wherein (after the no-salt sauce is spread and non-fat cheese is sprinkled) golden canola oil is placed over each of the three circular sections. (Green olives are also added, in halves, in measured proportion.)
So many of us, as photographers, are concerned about proper proportion in our photos. That proportion deals with the relationship of visual elements to each other and to the whole. If we succeed in arranging the the contents of our photos through the usage of wise judgement, we may produce excellent photographic end products. The real tragedy as photographers, however, would be that our photographs have correct balance and relationship to the whole… while our minds do not. If one’s photographs are balanced, yet one’s mind is not, what is the point? Really!
So many minds are not balanced; and their relationship to the whole is distorted and askew. Where there is needless conflict, friction, and fragmentation — in terms of the mind — there is no deep balance, integrity, no real proportion; then there is needless separation. So many of us — just as we did in extremely primitive times — continue to think that we are separate from our thoughts, separate from our perceptions. We were taught that we are at some separate center that controls thought and thinking from a distance. It’s like one antenna of an insect maintaining that it is separate from the other antenna (and is its “controller.”) When one embraces antiquated, fragmentary teachings and adamantly remains with (and “as”) them in mental blindness for an entire lifetime, where is the beauty and balance in that?… where is the proportion and symmetry in that?
Moving to a sense of proportion. Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2015
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
I use those old composition rules without thinking when they apply. Each image has to be considered on its own, and when to break the “rules” since there aren’t any.
Yes… it’s nice to use them when they may be of some benefit now and then. (I like your image in the center of that sphere.) 🙂
Excellent prose for pondering this morning, Tom!!
So very glad U C it, Lori! 🙂
It’s good to acquire some knowledge on a cold winter day, Thomas and to look at your wonderful photos, regards Mitza
Very glad of that, Mitza! 🙂 (It is raining like mad here in Illinois!)
take care of flash floods. It sounds dangerous. Maybe better go shopping in a canoe. Hope you don’t have alligators.
We live on a river, but it is not rising too much. No alligators here… just big snapping turtles! 🙂
I fully agree with your narrative, Tom. Sometimes the old addage, “if it ain’t broke, don’ t fix it,” can use a bit of adjustment.
Dan, so many people have plenty of ideas on how to arrange and fix things for the better… except for their own minds! 🙂
Rule of thirds aside, the colors in this photo are stunning!
Thanks, Mary! (Well, the insect is on its way to the “proper” position!) 🙂
No damn wonder my pictures are off balance 🙂 Good post, Tom! Take care. Bob
Ha! Thanks! U 2, Bob! 🙂
Nice capture. That bug looks like he’s glowing lol.
Thanks, Sonya! Yes, it (unlike our politicians) is very bright! 🙂
So.. a balanced photograph is meditation for an unbalanced mind. It makes complete sense. Interesting.