Rule of thirds intersection of two of the lines, close enough to take advantage of the rule. The rule of thirds is applied by aligning a subject with the guide lines and their intersection points, placing the horizon on the top or bottom line, or allowing linear features in the image to flow from section to section. The main reason for observing the rule of thirds is to discourage placement of the subject at the center, or prevent a horizon from appearing to divide the picture in half. Michael Ryan and Melissa Lenos, authors of the book "An Introduction to Film Analysis: Technique
Rule of thirds and Meaning in Narrative Film" state that the use of rule of thirds is "favored by cinematographers in their effort to design balanced and unified images" (page 40). When filming or photographing people, it is common to line the body up to a vertical line and the person's eyes to a horizontal line. If filming a moving subject, the same pattern is often followed, with the majority of the extra room being in front of the person (the way they are moving). Likewise, when photographing a still subject who is not directly facing the camera, the majority of the extra