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Rules of composition - rule of thirds, etc
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Jul 22, 2022 08:39:09   #
NatureShooter Loc: NW Illinois
 
Composition rule of thirds is a key one and here are 14 others:

1. Rule of Thirds
2. Frame in a Frame
3. Symmetrical & Asymmetrical Symmetry
4. Leading Lines
5. Diagonals & Triangles
6. Patterns & Textures
7. Rule of Odds
8. Fill the Frame
9. Negative Space
10. Golden Ratio
11. Repetition
12. Lean in (space to go)
13. Juxtaposition
14. Viewpoint
15. Simplicity

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Jul 22, 2022 08:42:16   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
Rongnongno wrote:
Rules need to be learned in order to break them correctly.

You seem to want all to conform, well, you have a few billions humans on this planet and not one conforms with another so... Good luck.

You are neither right nor wrong, just maybe a bit too demanding on what other should/must do in order to please you... So, again, good luck.

Personally, to learn, I go deliberately the wrong way. That way, I can identify where I am lacking. Seeing other's works or concepts does nothing to me, plain indifference.

As to rule 'third' it is nothing new and certainly not the only 'rule' that addresses composition.
Rules need to be learned in order to break them co... (show quote)


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Jul 22, 2022 08:42:24   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
Orphoto wrote:
Often this guideline does produce very pleasing images. As do the other "rules". To the extent that they assist you, great. But do not be afraid to follow whatever your gut tells you is pleasing.


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Jul 22, 2022 08:43:33   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Yes, we must follow the rules! Actually, those "rules" are just good advice based on years of observation. Like, "Keep your eye on the ball," "Keep both hands on the wheel," "Look both ways before crossing the street."

Rules were not made to be broken.

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Jul 22, 2022 08:51:31   #
Ioannis
 
sxrich wrote:
I did a post on composition/rule of thirds on a different site and I was disappointed at the pure disdain in mentioning the term "rules"! Responses like "rules were made to be broken", "I refuse to be restricted", "I please myself", "My creativity will be restrained"......It surprised me how little people knew about composition approaches as well as the desire to incorporate. I use rule of thirds quite often, even in portraiture. I would like to see images from others where a particular rule of composition is utilized. Here are a few - rule of thirds
I did a post on composition/rule of thirds on a di... (show quote)


I don’t like to go by “the rules” so I have set my camera on auto mode. Ha Ha.

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Jul 22, 2022 08:54:41   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
The "rules" will give one a better probability of getting an appealing shot,
as opposed to just raising the camera to one's eye and shooting.
Yes, the rules can actually be broken at times to create a pleasing composition. One does not have to adhere to them. They are basically a starting point.

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Jul 22, 2022 09:02:28   #
charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA
 
When I learned the rule of thirds decades ago my photographs suddenly improved. I dont always use it but it is the most common composition rule I use.

Chuck

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Jul 22, 2022 09:07:16   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
charlienow wrote:
When I learned the rule of thirds decades ago my photographs suddenly improved. I dont always use it but it is the most common composition rule I use.

Chuck


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Jul 22, 2022 09:07:54   #
MikeT46 Loc: Hermantown,MN
 
What is interesting about the "rule of thirds", for me, is why it often/sometimes aids in enhancing a compositiom. I find it useful in at least considering it when composing, without ever thinking of it as "required", and not truly understanding why it helps compositions some of the time.
On a different tact, the fact that bringing up the topic often seems to result in debate, over how to phrase the use of this concept, might be a suitable topic in some psychological forum.

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Jul 22, 2022 09:26:01   #
sxrich
 
SalvageDiver wrote:
I am reading a book by Michael Freeman titled "On Composition". In that book I don't recall him ever using the term "rules of ...". Rather, he refers to composition as 'elements of photographic design', with composition being one of the many elements that the photographer controls to create an impactful image. Calling them "rules" only invites arguments about rules being rigid, when in fact various composition designs of a scene can illicit different but impactful responses on the viewer. Changing how you refer to compositional design might allow you to make your point without starting a side argument unrelated to your message.
I am reading a book by Michael Freeman titled &quo... (show quote)


You made a really good point! "Rule of expressing Rules of Composition". LOL! Geez, I need to be "woke" about a term that's been around for years as to not offend. Somehow, I find it immature. Maybe participation trophies should be given to participants of photography competitions. I will never use the term "Leading Line" again! Maybe "Birthing Line" would be less offensive. I'm thinking we should implement photography "Safe Zones" also...I give you credit for attempting to elevate your work. I'd like to see a pic illustrating one of your "compositional elements"

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Jul 22, 2022 09:33:08   #
Jack47 Loc: Ontario
 
sxrich wrote:
I did a post on composition/rule of thirds on a different site and I was disappointed at the pure disdain in mentioning the term "rules"! Responses like "rules were made to be broken", "I refuse to be restricted", "I please myself", "My creativity will be restrained"......It surprised me how little people knew about composition approaches as well as the desire to incorporate. I use rule of thirds quite often, even in portraiture. I would like to see images from others where a particular rule of composition is utilized. Here are a few - rule of thirds
I did a post on composition/rule of thirds on a di... (show quote)


There are no rules in photography except those that you set for yourself.

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Jul 22, 2022 09:35:06   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
When you follow the rules, you are a photographer , when you break the rules you are an artist.

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Jul 22, 2022 09:38:30   #
sxrich
 
charlienow wrote:
When I learned the rule of thirds decades ago my photographs suddenly improved. I dont always use it but it is the most common composition rule I use.

Chuck


Amen! Likewise......

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Jul 22, 2022 09:39:24   #
sxrich
 
NatureShooter wrote:
Composition rule of thirds is a key one and here are 14 others:

1. Rule of Thirds
2. Frame in a Frame
3. Symmetrical & Asymmetrical Symmetry
4. Leading Lines
5. Diagonals & Triangles
6. Patterns & Textures
7. Rule of Odds
8. Fill the Frame
9. Negative Space
10. Golden Ratio
11. Repetition
12. Lean in (space to go)
13. Juxtaposition
14. Viewpoint
15. Simplicity


Excellent! Thx

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Jul 22, 2022 09:40:35   #
sxrich
 
jerryc41 wrote:
Yes, we must follow the rules! Actually, those "rules" are just good advice based on years of observation. Like, "Keep your eye on the ball," "Keep both hands on the wheel," "Look both ways before crossing the street."

Rules were not made to be broken.


Absolutely correct!

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