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At the risk of causing another firestorm...
Josh, if you wish to transform your photography into geometric predictable form, it is your privilege (I read your web site by the way - about two weeks ago) but this approach is limited and dry (but produces good quality pictures).
Rules needs to be learned (otherwise some would not even take the cap off their cameras before shooting) but those rules are made to be broken w/o mercy in order to present a vision, a spirit that otherwise would not exist.
Unpredictability, passion is key. This is what I learned for two years, rules and passion. Unpredictability came after I was 'fired', I was coming into my own, as he had predicted.
I admit that I have suggested that taking a similar picture next time might be improved using the rule of thirds to a few people on UHH. But never meant it to be an absolute forever. I agree with those who say it is one of many tools that a photographer may choose to use. However, it is good to know the so called "rules" and how they apply because then you can break them with purpose. I would also suggest that to be creative with your pictures you should break the rules more often than you use them.
English_Wolf wrote:
Josh, if you wish to transform your photography into geometric predictable form, it is your privilege (I read your web site by the way - about two weeks ago) but this approach is limited and dry (but produces good quality pictures).
Rules needs to be learned (otherwise some would not even take the cap off their cameras before shooting) but those rules are made to be broken w/o mercy in order to present a vision, a spirit that otherwise would not exist.
Unpredictability, passion is key. This is what I learned for two years, rules and passion. Unpredictability came after I was 'fired', I was coming into my own, as he had predicted.
b Josh /b , if you wish to transform your photogr... (
show quote)
Perhaps my comment was a little bit too short. I don't follow any 'rules' of composition, in fact, I suggest in multiple places on my website that people should learn composition so that they can forget about it again.
I teach techniques, tips, reviews and composition, but the rest is up to the photographer. And there's a lot left.
The rule of thirds was also taught in my art class in the early 70's.
It's an interesting rule, because although it's not great because people get stuck into following it too much, it does encourage people to explore more composition, so I'm all for it. I guess.
To me, the rule of thirds is only a guide line, not to be
followed in every shot.
Pepper
Loc: Planet Earth Country USA
I think it's just the word "rule" that causes the feathers to ruffle. I personally like having the information as it serves as a base to work from. If it were to be strictly adhered to you'd loose all the creativity and individulality. If everyone used the same "rule" you'd have need of very few photographers.
Yeah, I think the majority of camera owners know enough about photography to know that a rule can never really be a rule. If it was a rule, then that's all we'd ever do, but it's clear for anyone who's looked at more than 10 good photos, that it's not really a rule, just a guide.
The rule of thirds comes from art in applying to composition in attempting to draw the eye to the focal point of a painting to be used as guide line. There is a lot of variation of the rule. There is a lot of books written on composition that can be helpful in photography. It is all about drawing the viewer eye to the focal point. It is just one tool to use in making picture to tell a story. A poet writes with pen. A artist/photographer writes with a brush or camera.
[quote=English_Wolf]I see too many time folks invoking the 'rule of third' and imply that breaking it is a cardinal sin punishable by death or canning.
Oh my god!! if I don't follow the rule of thirds someone is going to stuff me in a jam jar? I think I'd rather be caned than canned, but that's just me. :) :) :)
RLDJr
Loc: Northern Delaware, USA
My comment: If it looks good to YOU in your finder, shoot it...
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Thank you Wolf! I've been criticized so many times for not following that "rule." Would it make the shots better? Not necessarily so. Perhaps some, but dang it people...It's my creation. lol I like to try to be a little different than most.
tschmath wrote:
English_Wolf wrote:
I see too many time folks invoking the 'rule of third' and imply that breaking it is a cardinal sin punishable by death or canning.
Oh my god!! if I don't follow the rule of thirds someone is going to stuff me in a jam jar? I think I'd rather be caned than canned, but that's just me. :) :) :)
:shock: Well try the caning in the middle east and suffocation after being canned. Canned is being kind! (thanks for the note, I did not pay attention, my mistake). :mrgreen:
arumf.... What do you taste like in a jar? :shock: :evil:
I just loved reading this thread! Made me laugh and smile all the way through.
It's nice to shake the dust off now and then. It keeps people thinking and that's half the battle.
Here's to all of you....Thank you for making me smile!
I like to think that if I follow all the rules, I'll take great pictures. That's the way it works, right?
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