the empty third

I see so many photos with the subject off-center and an empty void filling the remaining space. the 'rule of thirds' has been drummed into every photographer's head and it can be a very useful tool, if you know when to use it and when to disobey. the rule does not intend to leave a third of the frame empty, unrelated to the subject.... instead, create a background that supports the main subject, without competing for attention; use the edges of the subject matter to create an interesting negative space.