At the risk of causing another firestorm...
Dec 16, 2011 00:59:17 #
I agree that I think it is the word "rule" that gets people in trouble. It is a rule, not a law :D
Rules help you have a sense order. Do I follow the "rule" of thirds, yes, if it doesn't work for me I try something else. Often this trial and error is done long before the camera comes near my eye.
Do I sometimes place something smack dab in the middle? Yup.
Does it always work, nope.
Also the rule of thirds is WAY WAY older than 20th century, as a matter of fact it is a simplification of the golden ratio, and pretty close too.
All photographers should learn the rules, so they can know when to break them :D
BTW - Wolf, thanks for lighting a new firestorm...
:lol:
GT
Rules help you have a sense order. Do I follow the "rule" of thirds, yes, if it doesn't work for me I try something else. Often this trial and error is done long before the camera comes near my eye.
Do I sometimes place something smack dab in the middle? Yup.
Does it always work, nope.
Also the rule of thirds is WAY WAY older than 20th century, as a matter of fact it is a simplification of the golden ratio, and pretty close too.
All photographers should learn the rules, so they can know when to break them :D
BTW - Wolf, thanks for lighting a new firestorm...
:lol:
GT
Dec 16, 2011 03:21:27 #
Everyone has their own opinion of what constitutes a good or appealing photograph and sometimes even one's own first reaction can be altered by suggestions at subtle things that do make a difference.
To my way of thinking, the rule of thirds makes sense when there is something in the scene besides or behind the subject that adds to it's interest or indicates something. rather than to leave it for the sake of following some rule of thumb.
To my way of thinking, the rule of thirds makes sense when there is something in the scene besides or behind the subject that adds to it's interest or indicates something. rather than to leave it for the sake of following some rule of thumb.
Dec 16, 2011 05:27:31 #
ReallyGreenBrenda
Loc: Reno, Nevada
Cool helmet pic! I had the exact same car mirror photo. Post more as you create them please. Thanks for sharing! :lol:
Dec 16, 2011 05:41:36 #
Roger Hicks
Loc: Aquitaine
This is a straw man argument. For those unfamiliar with the term, a straw man argument is one where someone makes a clearly nonsensical or wildly exaggerated interpretation of his opponent's position, and then demolishes the 'straw man' (false interpretation) that he has set up.
Even in the Bad Old Days of camera club judging, very few people believed that the Rule of Thirds was indeed an absolute rule, rather than just a guideline that worked more often than not. Furthermore, they often used the term 'near the thirds' or were extremely flexible about whether something was exactly 'on the thirds' or not.
OF COURSE you can make a good picture with the principal subject slap in the middle, or a bad picture with the principal subject 'on the thirds'. How many people deny this? With whom, in fact, is the OP arguing?
Cheers,
R.
Even in the Bad Old Days of camera club judging, very few people believed that the Rule of Thirds was indeed an absolute rule, rather than just a guideline that worked more often than not. Furthermore, they often used the term 'near the thirds' or were extremely flexible about whether something was exactly 'on the thirds' or not.
OF COURSE you can make a good picture with the principal subject slap in the middle, or a bad picture with the principal subject 'on the thirds'. How many people deny this? With whom, in fact, is the OP arguing?
Cheers,
R.
Dec 16, 2011 05:52:37 #
I don't think you have created a fire storm at all. The only rules are:
1.) When photographing weddings, parties, or corporate events take pictures to that will make the customer happy.
2.) When photographing for yourself capture the things you love or find interesting.
3.) Experiment, it is the only way to find out what really works.
4.) Be honest with yourself, sometimes your pictures suck, just learn from the mistakes.
1.) When photographing weddings, parties, or corporate events take pictures to that will make the customer happy.
2.) When photographing for yourself capture the things you love or find interesting.
3.) Experiment, it is the only way to find out what really works.
4.) Be honest with yourself, sometimes your pictures suck, just learn from the mistakes.
Dec 16, 2011 06:12:10 #
Dec 16, 2011 06:19:59 #
i'm with opus,i ditch a lot of my pics, at an event i keep the ones that capture the flavour ,and work on the ones that touch me.
Dec 16, 2011 06:54:25 #
check the "cloud scenes" in the picture section, to see when "rule of thirds" really works.
Dec 16, 2011 06:54:49 #
photocat
Loc: Atlanta, Ga
The Golden ratio has been used for the ages.
The rule of thirds is a version of that ratio based on the 35mm format.
It like many other compositional rules, are basically guide lines, not an absolute. Basically, I think we hear more about it these days as many beginners have every thing dead center *(which usually means dead boring) and this is the easier guide line to discuss on the internet.
The bottom line with all art *including photography) does it work.
The idea that it must be exactly within that measurement is silly altho i have seen people judge things that way. Drives me nuts.
The rule of thirds is a version of that ratio based on the 35mm format.
It like many other compositional rules, are basically guide lines, not an absolute. Basically, I think we hear more about it these days as many beginners have every thing dead center *(which usually means dead boring) and this is the easier guide line to discuss on the internet.
The bottom line with all art *including photography) does it work.
The idea that it must be exactly within that measurement is silly altho i have seen people judge things that way. Drives me nuts.
Dec 16, 2011 06:56:45 #
Jimtebo
Loc: Alhambra, IL
The rule of thirds existed way before 1979, I first heard about it in the 60's.
Dec 16, 2011 07:13:58 #
Rules were made to be broken...but you have to learn them before you can break them.
Dec 16, 2011 07:20:22 #
As a pure amateur I must jump in. Since I'm not trying to sell or make a customer happy, I only have one unbreakable rule. It is "do I like the image"? In 39 years, I did sell one image and got one published with a photo credit. Hmmm, does that make me a "pro"?
Dec 16, 2011 07:30:09 #
Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men. -- attributed to Douglas Bader, WWII RAF pilot. Applies to most rules, I think. The trick is knowing which rules are essential and which are starting points.
Dec 16, 2011 07:56:58 #
Nikonfan70
Loc: Long Island
I believe a good image can be "seen" without even knowing it. While the rule of thirds is a nice guide there are so many factors involved; lighting, focus, depth of field etc that make a fine photograph.It takes a lot of practice.
Dec 16, 2011 08:35:46 #
Thank you thank you. I have been bitching about the "rule" of thirds at my photoclub. To me it is like the pirates code in the Pirates of the Carribean movie. Lets expand this to another issue I take with come photo critics. The horizon must be level. I don't always agree with that "rule"
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.