Composition problem identified but no solution known
Oct 8, 2011 16:25:23 #
We've all been frustrated to some extent by the propensity for newcomers to place the main subject in the center of the frame.
I think the reason for this is that most newbies have been raised watching television.
If you watch TV with this in mind it will be come apparent that most programming from news casts to commercials totally ignore the major rules for traditional photographic composition like the often ignored Rule of Thirds.
I think the reason for this is that most newbies have been raised watching television.
If you watch TV with this in mind it will be come apparent that most programming from news casts to commercials totally ignore the major rules for traditional photographic composition like the often ignored Rule of Thirds.
Oct 8, 2011 16:48:18 #
It is true that a lot of newbies to photography center the subject. But that is why we are here...to help them learn the rules and principles of photography. No need for frustration. Feel good that you can offer a helping hand. :-)
Oct 8, 2011 19:03:32 #
Center frame, and head to foot shots of Grandma & Grandpa in the front yard; are normal. That's the way my dad taught me, when Brownie box cameras were the rage of the age. :)
Oh yes, always keep the Sun behind you; which produced all those scrap book "Sun Squint photos" of yesteryear.
Didn't think I was older than dirt did you? - Well I am. All newbies have to learn, not to take all those old politically correct images. :lol:
Oh yes, always keep the Sun behind you; which produced all those scrap book "Sun Squint photos" of yesteryear.
Didn't think I was older than dirt did you? - Well I am. All newbies have to learn, not to take all those old politically correct images. :lol:
Oct 8, 2011 21:37:07 #
I'm still frustrated that Bob has to post that Rule of Thirds all the time. Newbies should be required to read it before they can register.
Oct 8, 2011 21:48:39 #
Really I think most of them need to learn which part of the camera to point at their subject, before they even buy one. But they go buy DSLR's and don't know shutter from apple butter, let alone F stop. Most of them use, and continue to use the "green box mode".
But that's just the way it goes. :)
But that's just the way it goes. :)
Oct 9, 2011 00:22:32 #
All too true. When we run the world we'll require purchase licenses for everything from fresh produce to bullets.
Oct 9, 2011 05:38:13 #
There was one un-named photography teacher who thought that teaching the rule of thirds was counter productive... that one should master focus and exposure before being bothered with composition. Yet each of this photographer's prints observed the rule of thirds. I talked to a couple of photo buddies and they said this instructor wasn't the only one with that attitude.
Glad it is important here.
Glad it is important here.
Oct 9, 2011 07:56:18 #
There must be an artist in every photographer. If it is there, no rule is required. If not, no rule will help.
Oct 9, 2011 08:47:47 #
photocat
Loc: Atlanta, Ga
Tv has a problem with aspect ratio, (unless you have a newer wide screen one) it is not on purpose that things appear to be in the center.
Rule of thirds is based on the Golden ratio which has been effect for hundreds of years, long before cameras were even on the scene.
At that time it was a bit different but with the advent of 35mm film it was changed a few quarter inches.
We heard about it a lot on photo sites as to help people get away from "dead center, dead boring". It isn't just a matter of being in the center, it is a matter of visual weight. If one has visual weight surrounding the center, the piece will be visually balance.
Also, many people stand too far away which puts what ever in the center hard to seen with any detail. Filling the frame is a different concept than rule of thirds.
Rule of thirds is based on the Golden ratio which has been effect for hundreds of years, long before cameras were even on the scene.
At that time it was a bit different but with the advent of 35mm film it was changed a few quarter inches.
We heard about it a lot on photo sites as to help people get away from "dead center, dead boring". It isn't just a matter of being in the center, it is a matter of visual weight. If one has visual weight surrounding the center, the piece will be visually balance.
Also, many people stand too far away which puts what ever in the center hard to seen with any detail. Filling the frame is a different concept than rule of thirds.
Oct 9, 2011 09:29:22 #
Oct 9, 2011 11:12:01 #
The rule of thirds and all other composition and color "rules" were made to be broken. But break them because you understand them--not because you don't.
They are guides to help you produce photos that are pleasing to the eye, that carry the eye to the main point of interest, or in some way help your photo convey the message or emotion you were going for.
Once you are comfortable with the rules, start experimenting. Learn to recognize when breaking the rules makes a better photo. Develop your own style.
They are guides to help you produce photos that are pleasing to the eye, that carry the eye to the main point of interest, or in some way help your photo convey the message or emotion you were going for.
Once you are comfortable with the rules, start experimenting. Learn to recognize when breaking the rules makes a better photo. Develop your own style.
Oct 9, 2011 11:17:24 #
Oct 9, 2011 12:27:57 #
Oct 9, 2011 12:57:24 #
rember you all were new at one time. centered subject matter isn't always bad its personel taste. and be carefull with this thread you do not want to discourage people from posting from fear of being ridiculed by an oldtimer. finally posting centered photos is not nearly as irritating as posting questions that can be answered if one only READ THE CAMERA MANUAL.
Oct 9, 2011 13:03:19 #
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