Look to the Middle - a discussion of Composition

pathfinder

https://youtu.be/sUFCQeSPVPw

comments and suggestions are encouraged

Richard

Interesting, and some wonderful images. Of course, one can easily find great images composed following the rule of thirds. And impressive work that follows no formula at all. It's all good, if it's good.

pathfinder

Richard, I am certain you know that I would never suggest only ONE way to edit or compose an image - but the video did have some lovely images - and not all of them were photos. Some were classic paintings, and some were even captures from movies or videos.

Like I always say, a professional always knows more than just one way to skin a cat.

Richard

kurzvorzwoelf

I think Richard captured the essence of my thinking about this quite well in that three sentences above. Personally, I came to the conclusion that most of the composition rules (thirds, golden ratio, etc) are rather technical rules. While those are required for technical good imagery that appeals to our eyes better, they are not necessarily required for great and inspiring art.

Anyhow, thanks for the video link (did you produce it?) - it was kinda refreshing for my mind. As someone who just recently started fiddling seriously with photography, I find myself too often trying too hard to follow the common dogmas. Time to think anew :-)

pathfinder

I have nothing to do with the video nor with any of the producers of the video - I just enjoyed it and thought it informative and worth watching.

It did not strike me as anything but a pleasant suggestion by the producers.

I do like the images used for their argument. Painters have been thinking about composition for many many years and that always strikes me as something to respect..

Rule of Thirds I think of as a possible plan, not as a "Rule" that must be followed. I do think the "rules"of composition help us understand why some photos don't really seem to "work" sometimes, too

redleash

I found this fascinating. Thanks for posting.

pathfinder

I just reviewed the video again, due to your comments and I enjoyed it once again. Thanks for your comments.

The artists work used for demonstration images, are really excellent, as is the choice of artists used as well.

I will commit to consider this type of composition more often in the future.