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've seen it. I found it humerous. FWIW - One of my favorite Wyeth paintings. You didn't post a picture!
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.
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.
dustie wrote:
"Rule"
---- PAS ----
point and shoot
Were they taken with a cell phone? You appeared to "fill the frame" Very creative!
I've always had a "flair" for composition, so when the "rule of thirds" became apparent to me I was surprised how often it appeared in my work...and didn't! Haha, so I guess I'm one of these "if it *looks* cool" people and don't really think about it. To each!
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)
It was merely a post on rule of thirds with examples - never said I was right or wrong. I have no desire to control humans, so you missed the point. However, your desire to purposely go the wrong direction to identify what is lacking is a unique approach and would work well shooting a wedding..... We used to call it "not logic". Your indifference I'm sure will propel you in some direction.
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 tend to follow the rules of composition. Aesthetically speaking the rules bring order to the image and make it pleasant to the eye. If it is necessary to break them it should be done in such a way that the image does not lose its charming, its interest to the viewer.
In a formal photographic competition the rules are strictly followed. The judges have to see a very powerful reason to admit an image that has broken those rules.
A pleasant visual design is always a good reason to attract the eye.
I was taught the rules, or suggestions ( rule of thirds, leading lines, etc), at the NY Institue of Photohraphy and I try and incorporate them into all of my shots whenever possible.
jlg1000
Loc: Uruguay / South America
My grandpa, who was a master smith (also a WWI and WWII soldier), always said "first learn how to make it right before you do it how it is not meant to be made" For composition, it would read "first learn the conventional rules, then find out how to break them"
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)
"It surprised me how little people knew about composition approaches as well as the desire to incorporate."
People may know about the concept but are not concerned and wish to apply their "artistic" rendition. I think the 4th picture is the best of the lot.
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