Rule of thirds

When complaining about how my photos typical turn our boring, Brett was very quick to identify that I don't use the rule of thirds when taking photographs. Rule of thirds I asked?
After several articles & demonstrations I can now see what he is talking about. The rule of thirds!
See how the left photo below just seems boring, yet the right one is more dynamic and interesting.

Typically, when I take a photo, I take it square on - being very conscious of lighting, focus, depth of field, but not concentrating at all on the actual composition.

Cassie seems to do this natively, to the point anyone can tell the difference between a shot she has taken, and one I have taken.
As I look back, any photo taken with this rule is usually a favourite, and ones that don't follow the rule, usually don't see the light of day.

This is also applicable when photographing any horizons. This shot feels better composed as it adopts the thirds. The main adoption in horizons is to prevent cutting the shot in half.

This rule has roots in our appreciation of composition.. often experienced in painting. As far back as 1797 John Thomas Smith wrote about this 'rule of thirds' with relationship to balance of hot/cold colours and subject/background.

Brett continues to remind me that photographers can smash this rule and get outstanding results, but as a tool for beginners, it's a great one to have.