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 06/29/2005 06:32:49 PM · #26
âIt aint about the photo, it's about how you felt when you pressed the button.â
-tasha4paws

(The best comment I've recieved thus far, it was on my BIRDS entry)

Message edited by author 2005-06-29 18:34:09.
 06/29/2005 06:37:53 PM · #27
Hi Cindi,
Deviating slightly from thye topic, what books on composition do you suggest?
 06/29/2005 06:47:36 PM · #28
Tips for new photographer:

Do whatver you want with your pictures. If you like them, you succeeded.
 06/29/2005 06:48:21 PM · #29
I have to add to this. Unfortunatly most amatures use p&s cameras and most of those have the autofocus frame dead smack in the center, so you're kind of forced to at least frame the subject in the center while focusing. If the person is totally new to photography then they very well might start thinking that that's the proper way to take photos. That's where communities like this come in, however I think the original statement here was worded a little ummmm strongly and truely needed to be thought about before being said. Yes an of center subject tends to be easier on the eyes, but there are MANY examples in fine art where the subject is dead center as well. Think of Van Gogh's sunflowers here.... And Most portraiture is done centered. I would suggest the next time you see a photo that's centered, take a closer look and see if it was done that way on purpose and with good effect, or if it was simply lack of knowledge, or even preferance. ok enough from me, someone else take over. Oh, and Rex, go take a centered pic for me would ya?
06/29/2005 06:49:39 PM · #30
Originally posted by suprada:
Hi Cindi,
Deviating slightly from thye topic, what books on composition do you suggest?


I'm glad someone asked about this. Don't see why you should purchase a book when there are so many good websites out there.

The basic elements of art and composition can help anyone become a better photographer. Here are a couple of sites that I think are good.

Elements

Composition

Roxanne
 06/29/2005 06:50:30 PM · #31
Originally posted by rex:
Why should we conform to what you want? If I want to center my subject I will, if I want to cut off part of my subject I will. It is my photo and I shouldn't have to conform to any rules if I don't want.

On a side note: Shouldn't this be in the RANT FORUM?

Edit: It is your photo do what you damn well want to do to it.


I didn't say you couldn't cut off parts of the subject I said "you don't ALWAYS NEED to show the entire image to show what it is".

If you pay attention to TV you will notice that they do not always shoot a scene dead center, it gives your eyes places to look. If you want your image to be the main attention and nothing else matteres in the scene, then yes by all means shoot it dead center, it works for a lot of images and doesn't for a lot of others. Same as shooting b/w, it's not for every picture.

Shoot your picture however you *your words here* well like, we were offering little usually well used and proven techniques for people that maybe didn't know that (myself included not too long ago, but I found out by reading helpful tips like this). If you feel you are pro enough to always shoot an image the right way and always have someone want it then by all means shoot anyway you like and never deviate from it...and if you are also why are you in this "should be a rant" thread anyway, you apparently don't need it.

Cindi, in their defense, it could have been started out a little less harsh sounding but IS indeed a good tip.

Message edited by author 2005-06-29 18:51:01.
 06/29/2005 06:58:23 PM · #32
Originally posted by idnic:
I believe I did answer the question...

Simple truth is, that MOST of the time, off-centered is more interesting to look at and less "snapshot".

When studying fine art, paintings, photographs, etc., you will learn that artists have long known about this theory. There are some excellent books on composition that I could recommend if you are interested. It IS true that sometimes a centered main subject does work, but, more often than not, a more pleasing image will be produced by using the rule of thirds.


rant warning...

Center cetainly does not = snapshot...I really don't want to know where this "theory" came from...

Sorry...please don't jump on me for this...In all my years of school...this junk was actually never mentioned, not even in my photography classes...the rule of thirds etc...I'm so tired of hearing it preached as gospel...it just ain't so...in my eyes and in the eyes of my "artist" friends...this is deemed as myth...{{{sigh}}} please stop this madness...please?
 06/29/2005 07:33:06 PM · #33
Straighten your horizons (especially water) and/or verticals...

ED: If you are going to be creative make sure your tilt is overly obvious.

Message edited by author 2005-06-29 19:34:16.
 06/29/2005 07:42:22 PM · #34
"Think of Van Gogh's sunflowers here.... And Most portraiture is done centered."

Sorry - didn't want to repost all of it. In both cases above, while the subject is centered from the left and right, the MAIN part of the subject, the flower heads and the portrait eyes, fall in to the first third from top to bottom.

Personally, I dislike strict adherence to the rule of thirds. It should be called guideline of thirds. Essentially, find a good place not dead on center to place the area you want to have the most emphasis. This 'guideline' works a little better for me. :)

d
 06/29/2005 07:55:32 PM · #35
You know what I love about this thread, all the different opinions. That just proves to me that this is a matter of personal choice. I also like the fact that we are so civilized. =)
 06/29/2005 07:56:16 PM · #36
Originally posted by idnic:
PLEASE DON'T CENTER YOUR SUBJECT!!!

Sorry, just had to get that off my chest!


I'm not a new photographer and I always center my subject when the subject requires it.
 06/29/2005 08:05:12 PM · #37
Originally posted by sabphoto:
If you feel you are pro enough to always shoot an image the right way and always have someone want it then by all means shoot anyway you like and never deviate from it


I never said I was a pro....all I said was why should we conform to what the majority says we should do? If it were that way the world would be pretty boring wouldn't it.
 06/29/2005 08:14:15 PM · #38
Originally posted by idnic:

1.
PLEASE DON'T CENTER YOUR SUBJECT!!!

Sorry, just had to get that off my chest!

2.
I believe I did answer the question...

Simple truth is, that MOST of the time, off-centered is more interesting to look at and less "snapshot".

When studying fine art, paintings, photographs, etc., you will learn that artists have long known about this theory. There are some excellent books on composition that I could recommend if you are interested. It IS true that sometimes a centered main subject does work, but, more often than not, a more pleasing image will be produced by using the rule of thirds.


I think in BOTH of your posts you come across as being quite arrogant, just because YOU read something somewhere doesn't mean it is fitting for all. Even though I am new to photography and have a point and shoot, I do not think it is good advice and that the rule should only be used where appropriate, as with any other technique. I also find that some people tend to just restate what they read in art, and other, books instead of thinking for themselves and is that which I disliked most about studying art. Maybe it doesn't happen everywhere, but I did feel 'pressured' into having certain viewpoints on occasion especially if that viewpoint was popular. IMO following your instincts takes better pictures than trying to implement others opinions (or rules) and leads to more creative and interesting pictures.

Message edited by author 2005-06-29 23:24:17.
 06/29/2005 11:41:27 PM · #39
LOL. Try selling a photo that follows the rule of thirds to someone who hasn't got a creative bone in their body, they will let you know right now that the photo would have been "good" if the subject was in the center. To each his own, you can't please everyone, how about posting this in the "tips" forum and say, try not to to make all shots with the subject centered, mix it up a bit for creativity and you find a more appealing angle--but appealling to who? that depends on where you're going with the photo.
 06/30/2005 12:10:12 AM · #40
There is a place and room for diverse concepts in photography, like in any other art.

Some particular images create the best impression and mood when centered while others do not. It all depends on the subject matter. Any off center creates tension and some images carry the tension element within so that centering is sometimes the best way to show off the image.

This is like saying that only the asymmetrical works. Symmetrical and asymmetrical have their uses and often an image almost dictates the choice. If you want a truly serene effect then centring will often help but then there are so many exception that there are really no aesthetic rules. Keep in mind that the rules are gotten after the facts and yet no rule in art is unflexible.
 06/30/2005 12:37:31 AM · #41
Originally posted by bear_music:
Cindi is absolutely correct: the single, most common flaw of amateur snapshooters is the pure centering of the subject in the viewfinder. If you are paying attention to composition, and have determined that for this image a centered subject is appropriate, you are probably right and her message does not apply to you. But the "unconscious mode" nearly always centers the subject in the frame of the picture, and most of the time this leads to a static image. When I taught photography at UCSD, this was always lesson #1; "Place your subject consciously within the frame."

I admit I center most of my pictures, but that's so I have more room on the sides to crop differently. One time I may crop a picture to the right another time I may crop the same picture to the left. I just find it easier in post processing to start with a centered subject. but what do I know. I just have fun taking pictures of everything.

So it's time to stop busting her chops, I think.

Robt.
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