Mike Johnston <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >I will concede that I've been outpointed in this debate by the estimable Mr >Walkden, but as for the rest of you, only ONE person who has defended "the >rules" has so far had the guts to step forward and actually NAME any of >them.
I think a couple have mentioned the rule of thirds and the rule of the golden mean. BTW: They're different ratios (1:1.618 vs. 1:1.667) and they have a significantly different look to my eye. Interestingly, when I look back on my own photos, I noticed certain patterns with which I seem to gravitiate toward one or the other. I tend toward "golden section" with very simple compositions (portraits, say) but use "rule of thirds" with more complex scenes. I also seem to tend toward "golden section" when shooting 645. I'd guess this is due to the different height/width ratios of 35mm vs. 645. Fascinating stuff, and I'd never had noticed it if it weren't for this discussion! >I think this discussion will have to end here unless someone finds >enough spine to actually swallow hard and tell the rest of us WHICH rules he >or she keeps in mind while photographing, and finds so all-fired helpful. > >C'mon, let's have the list. I've been looking at some web pages about composition and found it really interesting reading. With alomst every "rule" that's new to me I think of how it might be useful *and* I recall counter-examples - good photos which break the rule. To me, this is the best thing about the so-called "rules": They make me *think* about what I'm doing any why, whether I'm following them or breaking them. >You'll notice I didn't jump all over Tom when he >suggested a few, so don't assume I'm lying in wait to pounce all over you. >I'm genuinely curious which "guidelines" you use as "key thoughts" when you >shoot. As Bob W. pointed out, I wrote an article about mine, so I'm off the >hook. The rest of you are being chicken! I'm going to start compiling a list. #1 - "sit down and plan all my shots" - Dr E D F Williams ;-) More rules to follow and to deliberately break: http://website.lineone.net/~peter.saw/ctutor/cmpsitn.htm -- Mark Roberts Photography and writing www.robertstech.com
