JZA B1 wrote:
Square crop, rule of thirds, or something completely different?
How do you know which one to apply in any given situation? Any time-tested rules or just what looks best?
Some photograhers have a natural inborn talent for composition- that is the placement of subjects within the frame. Some folks have a natural inborn talent while others have to learn some basic element to develop a knack or talent. There are othere elements that have to do with composition such as the use of color, lighting, and tone, and the strategic use of leading lines.
There are "rules" and guidelines that are useful in teaching and learning the basic elements. There are the rule of thirds and the golden section but those are the tip of the iceberg. There are complex theses written with, intricate diagrams, grids, and diagrams on cameras' viewing screens. All of these resources are helpful but perhaps not practical in workg in the field. I have a book that not only has all those diagrams but breaks them into mathematical and geometric formulas. It is some interesting reading but not very useful when shooting wildlife. a sports event, a landscape in sub-freezing weather, or a riot. You can the the book with you but you can subconsciously apply some of the theory.
What you boil things down to the basic reason for the concept is to lead the viewers' eyes to the motif of your images.
Personally speaking, I do not confine my work to one format, aspect ratio, size, or shape unless it is for a commercial job with a particular layout. I find that some subjects work well in a square rectangular, panoramic, ir even round or oval final disposition and shoot accordingly. Some subjects do well in a tight composion and some benefit from negative space. I consider leading lines, foreground framing in traditional approaches, and oftentimes breaking a "rule" will make for a stronger image.
If you are satisfied with your result, composition-wise, a good experiment is to see if they conform to any of the classic rules. You might find out that you have a natural talent. If you are dissatisfied, study some of the classic concepts and see what improvement you can apply.
The great advantage of digital photoghay is that you do not have to go through tons of film and hours of darkroom work to experiment. You can not only bracket exposures but "bracket" compositions aswell- try various points of view, varying focal lengths, leaving more or less space around your subject, and consider various aspect ratios, and crops. Develop your individual style and approach.
I kid you not about that book. Here is one of the diagrams that illustrate the strongest point in a composiition- enough to drive one crazy.
There is no magical formula. Study some of the foundational material, apply it when you can, see if you like the results, break a few rules, and at the end of the day it waht looks good to YOU!