Are there any 'rules' that shouldn't be broken ?

[wmoore]

So in photography we have 'rules' which help make a pleasing picture, but of course we break these rules, maybe for artistic reasons etc. Is there any 'rules' that we should break ?

[pnodrog]

Yes - break any rule that stops you creating the image you want. The trick is to know what you want.

[Steve S]

So in photography we have 'rules' which help make a pleasing picture, but of course we break these rules, maybe for artistic reasons etc. Is there any 'rules' that we should break ?

There are no rules, only good photos.

[Polar01]

I do believe there is one rule that should not be broken. That one is do not set up to take a shot in front of another photographer while they are shooting. Wait until they have finished, if you want the good location then get there before the other shooter, so they have to wait.

Cheers:

Allan

[just me]

I do believe there is one rule that should not be broken. That one is do not set up to take a shot in front of another photographer while they are shooting. Wait until they have finished, if you want the good location then get there before the other shooter, so they have to wait.

Cheers:

Allan

Very well said

Regards,
Griddi.....

[William W]

Are there any 'rules' that shouldn't be broken ?

Yes.

This one - "The rules are meant to be learned; understood and then broken for a reason."


WW

[Manfred M]

There are rules in creating a good picture???

At best there are compositional guidelines and any and all of them can and should be broken when it is appropriate to do so. The real trick is to know when and how to do so. Following compositional guidelines does not guarantee a good picture just as breaking them does not mean you will have a bad image.

[Glenn NK]

I don't think there are rules - I think there are guidelines.

The "rule of thirds" isn't a rule, it's a guideline or suggestion.

We have the terminology wrong.

Rules aren't broken without consequences - guidelines or suggestions may be.

Glenn

[pnodrog]

Yes.

This one - "The rules are meant to be learned; understood and then broken for a reason."


WW

Bill could you please send me a copy of the list as there must still be a few thousand I should learn.

[William W]

I’ll start you off with the dozen easy ones . . .

• 1. Always use Manual “M” Mode – that is the best.
  2. Use Prime Lenses as they are always better than Zooms.
  3. Shoot wide open. ALWAYS
  4. Never use a flash – that’s for sissies.
  5. Always use a proper ”Portrait Lens” for Portraits.
  6. Protect your lens at all costs, use TWO UV filters on it.
  7. Always buy a lens because of the Best BOKEH – it’s the Out of Focus bit that is the most important.
  8. Always use a Battery Grip – that makes you look professional.
  9. Use Canon for DSLR – and have only red striped lenses – other companies don’t have the red GT stripe.
  10. Always have a Leica film camera and a couple of sub F/1.4 lenses on display in the kit bag.
  11. Off-handed statement “I still play around with those on my day off” – (see rule #10 above for relevance )
  12. Wear a baseball cap back to front – especially when shooting inside.

Check back when you have got those down pat.


WW

[pnodrog]

Bill I promise I will give up photography for a few years while I learn them - in the meantime I will take snapshots with my Nikon gear and try and figure out how to put my cap on the wrong way.

My profuse thanks and overwhelming gratitude.

[William W]

[Hero]

One rule that imho shouldn't be broken: Bring camera (lens) and medium with you.

[AB26]

Warrik,
I think I have spoken my mind as far as rules in composition is concerned. I will repeat it and keep repeating it: there are no rules in composition only GUIDELINES, IMHO. We capture images in photography and use guidelines to guide us as to how good or bad the image is.
As to, should any rules in photography ever be broken, no never break the rules:
1. Charge your batteries
2. Have a card in your camera
3. Take off the lens cap
4. Switch on the camera
5. CAPTURE IMAGES
6. Never drop your gear on a hard surface or on the beach
7. Never submerge your non waterproof camera in water
8. Never lend out your gear etc. etc.
these are rules not to be broken and if you wish to break them live with the consequences.

Break all the “rules” of composition and get those shots that speak to the viewer.

[Donald]

"Be nice to Forum Moderators"

[DanK]

Bill,

OMG, you forgot one!

13. Never use any aperture smaller than f/8 because diffraction will make your pictures look like mush.

Of course, this creates a problem with respect to your #3. This is the kind of thing that makes photography so hard.

Dan

[Dukatum]

At best there are compositional guidelines and any and all of them can and should be broken when it is appropriate to do so. The real trick is to know when and how to do so. Following compositional guidelines does not guarantee a good picture just as breaking them does not mean you will have a bad image.

Next question : Whats the rule or guideline for when you should or should not follow the guidelines?

[Donald]

Next question : Whats the rule or guideline for when you should or should not follow the guidelines?

Live life on the edge.

[moopy goops]

Rule 1; There is no set of rules
Rule 2; There is no rule #1
Rule 3; Never discuss the rules
Rule 4; Not everything you read is true
Rule 5; Tell me why I don't like Mondays

[arpanganguli]

This discussion reminds me of what David Ogilvy said "On Advertising": There are no rules. I don't care if you find the advertisement artistic or not. I only care if you find the advertisement compelling enough to actually buy that product.

I think this can be extrapolated to photography as well. I am a novice in photography but I think that if the viewers find my photographs compelling enough (I don't intend to sell my photographs, at least not now) and feel the same way that I want them to feel, I feel I have achieved the objective.

Thanks!
Arpan.