The rule of Thirds Beast: I went into Google with a search for the composition features of the Old Masters and I was so struck with the first page that I found. The author hates that...

Sarco

I went into Google with a search for the composition features of the Old Masters and I was so struck with the first page that I found.

The author hates that rule and suggests that is not even suitable for a beginner.

I found the content to be very thought provoking but I will need to read it several more times to fully comprehend the concepts.

https://ipoxstudios.com/10-myths-about-the-rule-of-thirds-master-composition-without-it/

I hope that this material will generate many new ideas and no doubt many comments.

Ron
(sorry - cannot get it in as an active link)

big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

The video alone is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ7fahM5sBQ&feature=youtu.be

lev29 Loc: Born and living in MA.

Thank you, Sarco & big-guy! 👍🏼

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Suggestion: if you don’t like the rule of thirds, don’t use it--simple.

Tjohn Loc: Inverness, FL formerly Arivaca, AZ

It could be that the author sees too many students hanging on to the rule of thirds and not focusing on other composition techniques. In the end, composition is in the eye and the brain.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

jaymatt wrote:

Suggestion: if you don’t like the rule of thirds, don’t use it--simple.

YUP!

Everyone has an opinion.

Statistically I'll go with the rule most of the time, but not always.
It's not a DO IT "rule", but a guideline that happens to work (make an image more pleasing)
most of the time.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Longshadow wrote:

YUP!

Everyone has an opinion.

Statistically I'll go with the rule most of the time, but not always.
It's not a DO IT "rule", but a guideline that happens to work (make an image more pleasing)
most of the time.

Lexartiste

Don’t “rule” out having the subject in the center where the lens is the sharpest and your attention is greatest.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Lexartiste wrote:

Don’t “rule” out having the subject in the center where the lens is the sharpest and your attention is greatest.

In some instances.
But that scenario would not predispose me to put everything in the center.
I go by the composition I like, I don't worry about the "sharpest lens area", "best lens aperture",... ,
I just compose and shoot.

yorkiebyte Loc: Scottsdale, AZ/Bandon by the Sea, OR

Longshadow wrote:

In some instances.
But that scenario would not predispose me to put everything in the center.
I go by the composition I like, I don't worry about the "sharpest lens area", "best lens aperture",... ,
I just compose and shoot.

That right Thar'!! Longshadow

RoswellNM Loc: SW Indiana

Just like the “rule” about never ending a sentence with a preposition — there ain’t no setch rule. Guidelines maybe, rules, nope.

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

Longshadow wrote:

YUP!

Everyone has an opinion.

Statistically I'll go with the rule most of the time, but not always.
It's not a DO IT "rule", but a guideline that happens to work (make an image more pleasing)
most of the time.

Exactly longshadow.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Sarco wrote:

I went into Google with a search for the compositi... (show quote)

A wise man once said that in order to effectively break the rules - you have to know the rules.

There are a small % of people with a built in sense of composition who can do great composition without knowing or following any rules. But they are few and far between.

tgreenhaw

robertjerl wrote:

A wise man once said that in order to effectively break the rules - you have to know the rules.

There are a small % of people with a built in sense of composition who can do great composition without knowing or following any rules. But they are few and far between.

14kphotog Loc: Marietta, Ohio

Remember rules can be broken at times.