The rule of odds states that images are more appealing when there are an odd number of subjects (I'm not sure what you do when you have 4 grandkids--who do you leave out?). While this is not so easy when shooting "real life" it is easy to do when composing still life photos. I went through my archives and find that I shoot alot of single subjects, but I did find some that seem to fit this rule of composition. I'd like to see your shots and get your ideas on whether this rule of composition really works or not! Have fun.

Kind of a tough challenge. I like it. :) Some of mine.

DSC_0461 by David Hart, on Flickr

DSC_0354 by David Hart, on Flickr

DSC_0374 by David Hart, on Flickr

DSC_0094 by David Hart, on Flickr

DSC_0015 by David Hart, on Flickr

DSC_9188 by David Hart, on Flickr

DSC_9397 by David Hart, on Flickr

DSC_9463 by David Hart, on Flickr

DSC_9012 by David Hart, on Flickr

DSC_1382 by David Hart, on Flickr

DSC_3316 by David Hart, on Flickr

DSC_7625 by David Hart, on Flickr

DSC_7248 by David Hart, on Flickr

In this photo, the upper right corner is a satellite.

DSC_0417-2 by David Hart, on Flickr

DSC_9726 by David Hart, on Flickr

DSC_6761 by David Hart, on Flickr

DSC_4863-Pano by David Hart, on Flickr

DSC_8859 by David Hart, on Flickr

DSC_8992 by David Hart, on Flickr

DSC_9471 by David Hart, on Flickr

I've been teaching art in a public school for 20+ years, for the past 12 I've taught mostly photography. The "rule of odds" is a basic composition element. Visual artists are taught about composition early on, part of which is the concept that groups of the same or similar elements are visually more interesting in odd number sets, 3, 5, 7, 9. Much like the "rule of thirds", another composition type all photographers should be aware of. When I introduce composition to my classes I break composition down to about 9 different forms, what I call "compositional structures"; ways to arrange the elements within a photograph: Rule of Thirds, Balance (asymmetrical/symmetrical), diagonals, Leading Lines, Radial, Framing, Foreground Interest, Filling the Frame, Repetition. Of course there can always be some overlapping of structures, a symmetrical composition can also be radial (spokes on a wheel). The great artists of the past, Renior, Da Vinci, Monet, Dali, Picasso, all understood and used composition. If, as a photographer, you like to take photos of cute puppies and stunning sunsets you may not be concerned with composition. For myself I use photography as a creative outlet, I consider myself a fine art photographer and I always consider the composition of every photograph I take. After all it is the foundation for all successful visual art.