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10/20/2004 03:13:26 AM · #1 |
Take any book about picture taking and you will definitely find a chapter about the rule-of-thirds. Somehow this very rule seems the most important thing to remember when you take the picture (for most). People forget about other hints your shot might use (rythm, attention attracting lines). As long as there is something in at least two hot-spots of your picture, it's fine.
Well now look carefully again and you will find that every professional photographer will always add that in certain cases doing a shot AGAINST rule-of-thirds will make the pic more powerfull, meeningfull (you name it).
I am getting quite a few comments about my pic not following the mentioned rule. I saw a lot more in other pictures' comments.
"It's a nice picture but it doesn't follow the rule-of-thirds".
Yet somehow it is usually members who in average score low, who give those. The top rated ones understand the idea.
Please, be more creative. Don't always follow all rules. Find a seed of anarchy in you when take/mark photographs.
It is the variation and creativity that makes the world go round.
This is valid also for the composition part of pics.
What do you think. Is it just me, or you also think that r-o-t is a hint rather than a must?
hmm???
Wu
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10/20/2004 03:19:19 AM · #2 |
| I don't think ANYONE will tell you that you absolutely have to use the ROT for every composition. What these commenters probably are trying to say, is that the composition is static or dull to them, usually because it's centered or taken from a less-interesting perspective such as eye level--5 or 6 feet up (in many cases getting really low or really high makes the shot more interesting). They're not necessarily right that using the ROT would improve the shot, but that may be the only suggestion they can think of making. |
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10/20/2004 03:41:14 AM · #3 |
While the rule of thirds, or any of the 'rules' of composition are not set in stone; they did not come about out of whim either. They came about from careful study of a great many images over a great deal of time. They can be 'violated', if you so wish; but should never be treated lightly. 'Violate' them only when you are certain of what they bring to the image, and are equally certain that ignoring them brings more.
David
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10/20/2004 03:57:49 AM · #4 |
That is what I meant indeed.
I never said r-o-t is not important or so.
All I said was - one can't be punished for not following the rule if violating it makes the shot more interesting or standing out from the crowd.
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10/20/2004 04:02:22 AM · #5 |
| I think problem lies in voters trying to find things wrong with an image rather than thinking about what the image represents. If you want to say something about what you think is wrong, you centainly need some sort of an explanation. We all have different levels of knowledge and experience with photography. And we all speak from what we know or think we know. |
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10/23/2004 10:40:20 PM · #6 |
| aight easy one, rule of thirds is a rule, meant to be broken. its cool sometimes but if you feel you could get something better do it, wats stoppin u |
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10/23/2004 10:55:38 PM · #7 |
It's interesting that you are getting so many rule of thirds comments. I can't wait to see it once the challenge is over.
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10/23/2004 10:57:42 PM · #8 |
so that's whats been wrong with all of my photos!
Message edited by author 2004-10-23 22:58:02.
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10/23/2004 11:03:12 PM · #9 |
rule of three eight?
Originally posted by ericlimon:
so that's whats been wrong with all of my photos! |
Message edited by author 2004-10-23 23:03:29.
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10/23/2004 11:07:21 PM · #10 |
I look forward to seeing your image as well...
This article has some great general information on composition and it also keeps the 'rule of thirds' as well as the 'golden ratio' in perspective... |
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10/23/2004 11:32:11 PM · #11 |
The rule of thirds is only one of many formulas and these rules are not applicable under all circumstances. These rules have nothing to do with discoveries. That is, they are the result of studying many of the masterpieces and what they say is: the tension elements are either charged or discharge by different placement of the subject matter.
This means that even if you know nothing about these ideas, that is, I rather call them ideas then rules, your own eyes will register the placement that offers the feel you have for the image.
A perfect example is a tender and soothing image where one wants no tension whatsoever. These are the ones where the eyes are captured more by the sense of tonal and color values rather than by form.
It is very difficult to criticize when these ideas are not employed because composition trumps all the rules. That is, the eye of the phorographer is making a statement. Of course, many of these ideas are valid and they work but there is also tons of work which do not employ them while producing very pleasing and competing results.
The best rule is to look at your composition and carry the image with you in your mind. Ask yourself, is this the statement and the fashion in which you wish to present your idea. Ask first, is it boring? Can a crop increase interest. Always remember that not all compositions are great and many require a simple tweak to make them better. |
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10/23/2004 11:45:42 PM · #12 |
very interesting dicussion. please foregive my ignorence... can someone tell me WHAT is 'the rule of thirds'?
i'm not, and will never a be slave to rules. i see any and all rules as a guideline, something to focus my mind, to guide me. but i am me, and God gave me a brain to re-create.
the day one is forced to follow rules and rules only will be the we become enslaved to inhumanity. may 'Big Brother' never enter the door of this club. may we have open eyes, open minds and a feel for whats great and good and not yet good enough. |
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10/24/2004 12:10:45 AM · #13 |
gibun:
Two posts below yours is a link to a great reference which you might find useful in answering your question...
Message edited by author 2004-10-24 00:11:02. |
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