Monday, January 10, 2011: Breaking the Rules

According to the rules of composition, you should always leave space for a moving subject to move into. Here I did the opposite. The open space appears behind the subject. I think breaking the rules here gives the shot more of a street photography feel. When we walk down the street we don't anticipate others' moves. Instead, when we see someone interesting pass, we turn our heads to get a better look. That was exactly how this shot was taken... Just trying to keep up with the energy of the streets!

Friday, November 12, 2010: Breaking the Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a common composition technique. If lines were drawn on an image, dividing it into three parts vertically and horizontally then you would be left with four points where the lines intersect. At these points is where you would want to focal point of your shot. This creates "good" composition, or so the rule says. This rule is also the one that says placing the focal point smack dab in the center of a shot makes it less appealing. But some rules should be broken from time to time so, this image is my attempt to break the rule of thirds. Neither of the helicopters comply with the rule of thirds. However, I like the shot anyway

1. because of the color in the sky and the slight hint of clouds

2. because the silhouette of the small helicopters looks nice against the background of the orange sky

3. the silhouette at the bottom of the photo adds definition and some framing to the sky

More on breaking the rules to come in the next few posts.... :D