I would add though, that rules are made to be broken. The rules usually work, but every now and then it is better to do the opposite to give a photograph impact. That just means, don't be ruled by the rules! They are great guidelines, but only that.
@jinximages I agree! For beginners though the rule of thirds will seem revelatory, but once you're familiar with them the "guidelines" are certainly there to be broken.
This is a great site for a novice like me. Thanks. But I also agree with Jinx. If you look at Cartier Bresson, although he talks about 'perfect geometry' etc, he never cropped and a stray hand or objects do creep into his frame and somehow adds to their character. Thanks for sharing this very useful site - I will be checking out the other articles there too.
@jinximages@vikdaddy A rules-related quote I'm physically in love with: "Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men", as said by Douglas Bader in Reach For The Sky
Composition is very important and I've improved my technique since starting this project. One thing I "taught" myself to do was to make sure I give ample breathing space in-camera rather than try to compose the shot exactly how I want it. This is because I know I can use Photoshop to crop it down and move it around. Sometimes I've been too tight with a shot and have been unable to adjust the composition and cropping because there's not enough "room".
@electricwriter totally agree with you about the extra room- I've done some portraits recently and been very annoyed with myself to see that I've cropped something to tight in camera and there is not fixing it :( live and learn right!
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I would add though, that rules are made to be broken. The rules usually work, but every now and then it is better to do the opposite to give a photograph impact. That just means, don't be ruled by the rules! They are great guidelines, but only that.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.digital-photography-school.com%2F&h=94a14
P.S. Haven't even read the article yet! Derp
P.S.2. Yeah, nice article :)
@electricwriter totally agree with you about the extra room- I've done some portraits recently and been very annoyed with myself to see that I've cropped something to tight in camera and there is not fixing it :( live and learn right!