Fighting "Rules of "Thirds"
Nov 3, 2013 09:47:17 #
I am not here to critique for I am not qualified. What I find most interesting about what Nightski created, is its all good guiding constructive critiques from serious photographers, I like that for I am here to learn. In the past I've received bits and pieces of advice but nothing as concrete as this, Thanks Nightski.
I need some advice on this one I took yesterday.
When behind the lens I constantly struggle with the rule of thirds and I usually win for in my mind eye it just looks better, am I doomed?
I need some advice on this one I took yesterday.
When behind the lens I constantly struggle with the rule of thirds and I usually win for in my mind eye it just looks better, am I doomed?
"Town of Fountain"
I forgot!!
Nov 3, 2013 09:52:08 #
"Rules" are not necessarily absolutes' they are good advice, but do what make the picture best.
In this picture to me the is to much empty space on the left, I would ha likes the road in more of a s shape
In this picture to me the is to much empty space on the left, I would ha likes the road in more of a s shape
Nov 3, 2013 09:52:39 #
John Muehling wrote:
I am not here to critique for I am not qualified. ... (show quote)
Fix the horizon...
Nov 3, 2013 10:00:05 #
Try cropping up a little from the bottom right and straighten horizon and see if you like that better. Not much you can do with thirds w/o loosing to much of your photo. ;)
Nov 3, 2013 10:00:23 #
I recently ran across an article by Paul Foley, a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society. Within the article he had rules of composition. Two that are pertinent to your post and that have helped me: if the sky does not add to the photo reduce it or eliminate it; if the sky adds to the photo embrace it and emphasize it. The sky In your photo needs emphasizing. It should have a significant, even major, presence. The rule of thirds is a compositional tool that painters learned centuries ago. For whatever reason the human eye seems to like the tension of asymmetry. That does not mean that good composition has to adhere to that rule. Your picture works because of the difference in other compositional elements: light/dark for example. My opinion is that you are shooting with compositional elements in mind. That is exactly what we are all supposed to do. With that mind, then break the rules at will. I like you picture very much, by the way.
Nov 3, 2013 10:06:01 #
Have made no adjustments, just a simple 1/3 crop. I think it's a big improvement, now the road comes in from the side and leads the eye in. What's your thoughts?
Or the color of the grass comes into play in the foreground
Or the color of the grass comes into play in the foreground
Nov 3, 2013 10:21:37 #
First, I'd love to see that location live. You made it interesting which is the goal of a photo---to capture the viewer.
That said, I agree with Charryl and a bit with fstop22 as well. However in my mind I want to walk to the right of where you were standing and thus wind the road through more of the photo keeping the starting place in the corner like fstop22 suggests.
Anyway you frame it, it is a beautiful scene. But I would eliminate some of the foreground.
Larry
That said, I agree with Charryl and a bit with fstop22 as well. However in my mind I want to walk to the right of where you were standing and thus wind the road through more of the photo keeping the starting place in the corner like fstop22 suggests.
Anyway you frame it, it is a beautiful scene. But I would eliminate some of the foreground.
Larry
Nov 3, 2013 10:27:23 #
I don't consider the rules of composition as something to follow - strictly or casually - but rather more like prepackaged experience that guides you to regularly try different perspectives. Yes, sometimes a picture is much better if the horizon isn't dead center, but sometimes it's good there. Asymmetry can cause an interesting tension, but symmetry can also be very pleasing.
So keep the rules in mind, and if you're setting up a shot and suddenly realize you're breaking some rule, relax and let that thought inspire you to consider different perspectives and to take a variety of shots, some following the rules and some not. The rules are helpful, but they don't make the shot.
So keep the rules in mind, and if you're setting up a shot and suddenly realize you're breaking some rule, relax and let that thought inspire you to consider different perspectives and to take a variety of shots, some following the rules and some not. The rules are helpful, but they don't make the shot.
Nov 3, 2013 10:49:43 #
mborn wrote:
"Rules" are not necessarily absolutes' they are good advice, but do what make the picture best.
In this picture to me the is to much empty space on the left, I would ha likes the road in more of a s shape
In this picture to me the is to much empty space on the left, I would ha likes the road in more of a s shape
I agree on Rules. I could not capture the road in the S shape at the woods are immediately to my right. Thanks for the tips.
Nov 3, 2013 10:59:50 #
mdorn wrote:
Fix the horizon...
Gotcha!! I see its a bit bent...Might be depth as the Bluffs
yonder are receding as you move to the left. Thanks I'll give it a try.
Nov 3, 2013 11:09:06 #
charryl wrote:
I recently ran across an article by Paul Foley, a ... (show quote)
I'll be googeling Paul Foley, I agree with the sky element. When comments are complete I will try to apply the advice given to the photo. Thank you...John
Nov 3, 2013 11:12:34 #
fstop22 wrote:
Have made no adjustments, just a simple 1/3 crop. I think it's a big improvement, now the road comes in from the side and leads the eye in. What's your thoughts?
Or the color of the grass comes into play in the foreground
Or the color of the grass comes into play in the foreground
I see your point, I like the second one, because of the grass.
Thank you...John
Nov 3, 2013 11:16:47 #
treadwl wrote:
First, I'd love to see that location live. You made it interesting which is the goal of a photo---to capture the viewer.
That said, I agree with Charryl and a bit with fstop22 as well. However in my mind I want to walk to the right of where you were standing and thus wind the road through more of the photo keeping the starting place in the corner like fstop22 suggests.
Anyway you frame it, it is a beautiful scene. But I would eliminate some of the foreground.
Larry
That said, I agree with Charryl and a bit with fstop22 as well. However in my mind I want to walk to the right of where you were standing and thus wind the road through more of the photo keeping the starting place in the corner like fstop22 suggests.
Anyway you frame it, it is a beautiful scene. But I would eliminate some of the foreground.
Larry
The location is on the east side of the Mississippi River Valley along the bluffs, just south of St. Louis. This view was totally underwater in the Flood of 1993.
I wished I could have walked to the right but its all wooded.
Thank you for your thoughts...John
Nov 3, 2013 11:19:47 #
Gauss wrote:
I don't consider the rules of composition as somet... (show quote)
Gauss, I must say, I hear wisdom and experience speaking here. I've copied your post to keep in my notes.
Thank you....John
Nov 3, 2013 11:31:36 #
John Muehling wrote:
I'll be googeling Paul Foley, I agree with the sky element. When comments are complete I will try to apply the advice given to the photo. Thank you...John
Here is the link
http://www.rps.org/learningzone/landscape/landscape-photography-paul-foley-frps/
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