Rule of Odds

PHOTO ASSIGNMENT | Explore the use of Rule of Odds this week. Look for 3-5 distinct subjects or groupings that create a sense of odds.

Also see your Instagram challenge below for seeking photos that showcase Rule of Odds.

The rule of odds states that when you're including a group of subjects in your photo, an odd number, rather than an even number will produce a an interesting, and more visually pleasing composition. As it goes, this is the same rule in gardening, you plant in groups of 3, 5, 7 rather than even numbers. The theory is that the sense of balance is less intentional and more “natural” looking. It might take some practice to see the relevance of this, but in time, you’ll know it to be true.

• The first step in creating a juxtaposing photograph is to identify the two or more subjects in the frame. They should have a strong and purposeful presence, so that the viewer knows exactly who or what is to be contrasted in the photo. 

• After identifying the subjects, frame them in a way that will give the viewer enough context to understand what is happening in the scene. A wide angle lens could be a good choice to include some of the subjects’ surroundings to give context, but be mindful of distraction.

• Using three elements in the frame is the most effective way to use the Rule of Odds. When greater odd numbers are added, the individual subjects become lost, and our brains interpret the subjects as being a group, no matter if there is an odd or even amount of subjects. I like to challenge this notion, but if you need a simple rule to follow, you can’t go wrong with three.

The rule of odds isn’t always practical, but there are ways to create a sense of odds, by grouping your subjects as show in this example:

By making a simple shift in your subjects, you can group them in a sense that creates a feeling of “odds”. This is particularly enhanced with people, but I think you get the idea here. At minimum, you can see how one looks slightly more naturally placed than the other.

The Rule of Odds says that photographers should use an odd number of elements or subjects in their photographs because it creates balance. Our brains find odd numbers of subjects more pleasant to view because we are always mentally trying to pair even amounts of items together. Odd amounts of subjects allow our eyes to flow over the photograph, instead of getting stuck on subconsciously “pairing” the subjects. I look at this concept as more of a guideline than a rule. Sometimes it is effective, and other times the photographer should just go with their gut and do what works for them.