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Rule of Thirds / To Crop or Not
Oct 3, 2011 22:43:19 #
I took this picture of a stream in a local canyon. I really liked the original picture with the stream in the the center of the picture, but I realize that it violates the rule of thirds. I included another copy with the picture cropped to offset the stream from the center, but I feel like I lost alot. Any thoughts?
Original with a small amount of crop
Modifed with more crop
Oct 3, 2011 22:52:42 #
The first one is just fine with respect to that damn rule of thirds. The stream, the subject of the photo has it's main weight in the lower third of the frame quite nicely.
Pardon me but that rule of thirds issue is quoted way too often here. Yes, it is a basic rule of composition however, it's not intended to be an overriding skill one strives to perfect. You have to just "see it" when you compose the shot.
The second crop is just confining the elements too much it's not an improvement.
Welcome!
Pardon me but that rule of thirds issue is quoted way too often here. Yes, it is a basic rule of composition however, it's not intended to be an overriding skill one strives to perfect. You have to just "see it" when you compose the shot.
The second crop is just confining the elements too much it's not an improvement.
Welcome!
Oct 3, 2011 22:54:31 #
On second look I'd like to see either more or less of that stone in the middle of the stream at the bottom of the frame. There has to be interesting swirls happening down there... or not.
Oct 3, 2011 22:59:41 #
Did you crop out the rock at the bottom? I agree that it would be an interesting focal point to see the river flow.
What settings did you use?
What settings did you use?
Oct 3, 2011 23:00:11 #
I agree with the stone at the bottom of the picture unfortunately I did not get any more of that stone. After getting back and reviewing the pictures I realized I missed that opportunity. Thanks for the input, you have been very helpful.
Oct 3, 2011 23:05:05 #
Oct 3, 2011 23:08:38 #
the rule of thirds (see the extensive thread on that subject in the photography discussion section) is not a hard and fast law. it's okay to crop to achieve it, but it's better still to compose with it in mind from the start. it's also okay to ignore it completely at times, but in general, people find images with the main subject too centered to be less appealing.
as far as this photo goes, i agree, the bit of rock at the bottom is somewhat distracting. here's a crop that removes that distraction and also puts the stream a bit more in the lower third of the photo.
as far as this photo goes, i agree, the bit of rock at the bottom is somewhat distracting. here's a crop that removes that distraction and also puts the stream a bit more in the lower third of the photo.
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Oct 3, 2011 23:10:12 #
Rules are made to be broken, especially in photography. The end result is a product of what you compose & what you like.I like your original image. For what my opinion is worth, your first choice is the best!
Oct 3, 2011 23:22:12 #
Thanks for all of the great input. I realize that I tend to not take enough time when taking these pictures. I tend to hurry thinking that I am going to miss the perfect shot and as a result I do not pay enough attention to the details. I need to learn to slow down. Thanks again.
Oct 4, 2011 00:01:13 #
sometimes i cheat too and don't always agree with the rule of thirds
Oct 4, 2011 13:18:54 #
I don't think there are rules for photography, they seem to get in the way of great photos. A great photo is the 1 YOU like!
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Oct 4, 2011 19:47:48 #
Oct 6, 2011 03:33:58 #
I figured that the " rule of 3rd's" works vertically as well as horizontally...so...In my simple knowledge...the first shot works...and is certainly visually more interesting and effective...for what it's worth, I like it a lot...! Linda
Oct 6, 2011 20:12:17 #
Oct 6, 2011 20:15:47 #
Travis
Loc: Wetumpka, Alabama
This is a hard call to me. I like them both. But I think I like the original photo better. To heck with the rule of thirds!!!!
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