@ odds

I've been photographing now for quite a few years, but I must admit that "the Rule of Odds" is a guideline that has not featured too highly in my "How to" manual. The "rule of odds" states that by framing the object of interest with an even number of surrounding objects, it becomes more comforting to the eye, thus creating a feeling of ease and pleasure. It is based on the assumption that humans tend to find visual images that reflect their own preferences in life more pleasing and attractive.
A Wikepedia entry states:-The "rule of odds" suggests that an odd number of subjects in an image is more interesting than an even number. An even number of subjects produces symmetries in the image, which can appear less natural for a naturalistic, informal composition. The "rule of odds" relies on the human sense of pattern to capture the attention the viewer. Our brains work well with pattern. We see pattern in almost everything in the world. So it is natural to see it as a central part of composition. When there are small groups of objects or people the rule of odds becomes a valuable attraction for the eye.

The rule of odds is not just about 'threes'. Although this Blip features an even number of egg cups, they have been arranged in an odd number of groups. The eye is drawn to odd numbers in small groups where we can see the oddness of objects at a glance. Five, seven, even nine are all numbers that pull the eye toward them. Once objects become too numerous to be immediately and obviously odd in number the appeal is lost. The eye does not search to fulfill the pattern. So "the rule of odds" works because of the simplicity of low numbers. It relies on quick recognition of the situation to draw the eye into the picture and keep it working to find the balance.