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

[Manfred M]

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

There are no rules or guidelines to tell you when and how the compositional guidelines can or should be broken. You do what you have to so that you get an image that works. There is no "cookbook" approach to creating a compelling image.

Cartier-Bresson's quote in my tagline really says it all, although a number of sources suggest the updated version that applies to digital photography should read " Your first 100,000 photographs are your worst". Cartier-Bresson made his statement in the film days, when photographers spent a lot more time before pressing the shutter release because of the raw material and processing costs.

Lots of practice and critical evaluation (by yourself and others) will give you the knowledge and experience to recognize how to compose (artistry), shoot (technical skills) and then finish the image in PP (both artistry and technical skills).

[William W]

. . .OMG, you forgot one! . . .

haha!

I was leaving all those “circular” things like the Airy Discs and Circles of Confusion for Stage Two . . .


***

On a more serious note and addressing the broad tone of Original Post – all the (humorous) rules I listed have shooting scenarios where they might be applicable.

What I have found is a good question to ask (oneself) about any rule is: “Why?”

For example:

1. Why do I choose to shoot in Manual Mode?
2. Why did I (would I) use a Prime Lens and NOT a zoom lens?
3. Why would I shoot wide open?
4. Why would I not use a flash?
5. Why would I use THAT Focal length for THIS Portrait?
6. Why would I use TWO UV filters on a lens.
7. Why would I consider BOKEH?
8. Why would I need a Battery Grip?
9. Why would I use Canon for DSLR?
10. Why would l have a film camera?
11. Why would I want to carry a camera everywhere, everyday?
12. Why would I turn the cap I were wearing, back to front?

WW

[William W]

There are no rules or guidelines to tell you when and how the compositional guidelines can or should be broken.

Cartier-Bresson's quote in my tagline really says it all[:"Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst"]. . . Lots of practice and critical evaluation (by yourself and others) will give you the knowledge and experience to recognize how to compose (artistry), shoot (technical skills) and then finish the image in PP (both artistry and technical skills).

Yes.

One of the more popular discussion topics which either is asked about or the conversation is inevitable skewed towards is “Getting it right in the camera”.

This gem is often dragged up, the third or fourth post down, in response to a ‘beginner’s question, especially about Post Production Techniques.

Unfortunately, what is usually lost in these conversations is the concept of the VALUE of:

1. Articulating (written, oral or by thought) the VISION
2. Making the best PLANNING and the PREPARATION for the SHOT
3. Making the best TECHNICAL EXECUTION of the SHOT
4. the UNDERSTANDING that all these stages constitute definite and defined PROCESSES – even though the execution of these three steps, might take only a couple of seconds, or perhaps less, in some cases.

WW

[DanK]

PS: Warrick--no disrespect intended. It's just that photo websites (this one generally excepted) are so full of posts asserting one silly rule or another that I and I think a few others could not resist poking fun at the ongoing discussion.

But seriously: as WW says, learn the reasons [I]why[I] you might, say, chose manual mode, or a given aperture, or whatever. Then do whatever works for you and helps you get the image you want, and if it works, you are home free.

[William W]

. . . It's just that photo websites (this one generally excepted) are so full of posts asserting one silly rule or another . . .

Life is full of (people) asserting one silly rule after an other - usually without NEVER EVER questioning the "why".

WW

[pnodrog]

Life is full of (people) asserting one silly rule after an other - usually without NEVER EVER questioning the "why".

WW

When my wife makes a rule I don't ask why I just obey in the hope I will earn enough brownie points for a new camera or lens.

[William W]

[Bobobird]

"Rules and regulations are there for the drones to obey and for the wise to use."

[Manfred M]

1. Articulating (written, oral or by thought) the VISION
2. Making the best PLANNING and the PREPARATION for the SHOT
3. Making the best TECHNICAL EXECUTION of the SHOT
4. the UNDERSTANDING that all these stages constitute definite and defined PROCESSES – even though the execution of these three steps, might take only a couple of seconds, or perhaps less, in some cases.

A very comprehensive list Bill, but I think "Go to step 1 and repeat" might be included in the instructions.

Two common errors I see are that people either take a single shot and then moving on to the next subject; assuming that their single shot is going to be great or sitting there blasting away in burst mode when shooting a stationary object without recomposing and moving around.

One of my more memorable moments during a short trip last summer was when I was working a shot when someone approached me to ask what I was doing. They walked away after suggesting that they would have thought I would be able to get it right the first time with that fancy camera I was using. Creativity is an iterative process and we won't necesarily get it 100% right on our first try.

[John Morton]

From the days of film cameras, still relevant today (and useful everywhere):

"If it (a camera control or other mechanism) doesn't seem to want to move, then, DON'T TRY AND FORCE IT TO MOVE."

[William W]

A very comprehensive list . . . "Go to step 1 and repeat" might be included in the instructions. . . . [etc goes on to give examples and explanation]

Yes I agree with your examples of two common ‘mistakes’.

I omitted my last step (for the reason that it usually occurs elsewhere and at another time):

4. REVIEW - aggressively: LEARN and IMPROVE

So the list should be:

1. Articulating (written, oral or by thought) the VISION
2. Making the best PLANNING and the PREPARATION for the SHOT
3. Making the best TECHNICAL EXECUTION of the SHOT
4. REVIEW - aggressively: LEARN and IMPROVE
5. the UNDERSTANDING that all these stages constitute definite and defined PROCESSES – even though the execution of these three steps, might take only a couple of seconds, or perhaps less, in some cases.

So, that REVIEW process might be a fleeting second and in which case asecond shot might be required, quickly.

On the other hand that review process (usually) might be at the end of the shoot, in a vey quiet place: with the aim to ensure the next shoot, is better.

I am not all that keen to include “go to Step 1 and repeat” as an inclusion in my list.

What I mean is – I would prefer step 1 to be competed to the best of my ability and in consideration of the time frame allowed.

The bottom line is and as a general comment what I strive for is “One Shot” (ref: “The Deer Hunter” - movie), so I this regard I would expect that I would complete Step 1 as close to perfect as possible, before moving to Step 2 – and so on.


WW

[pnodrog]

Na Bill - The Decisive Moment ("one shot"?)

Only rule is to be there, ready and able. (being ready and able may of course include all the other rules)

[William W]

Na Bill - The Decisive Moment ("one shot"?)
Only rule is to be there, ready and able. (Being ready and able may of course include all the other rules)

Yes. If you wish.

The same general meaning is expressed, but with a slightly different nuance and emphasis.

'Ready and able' also implies ‘Management Aforethought’ . . .
Which is an interesting notion: because we could then debate/discuss how much management aforethought is responsible for declaring and defining (a particular) - "The Decisive Moment".

WW

[aponi]

I think its important to dress directly proportionally to the event you're filming. By that I mean yes dress like a street person at a white tie event and wear a tux to a shoot a 5k.

[drjuice]

I'm with you, John, on the don't force things that won't behave as intended.

I was in Death Valley NP several weekends ago and a guy I know slightly was cussing (which I've not repeated in this thread) because a filter he wanted to use wouldn't go onto the front end of the lens he was using. I showed him how to find the matching points on the filter and the lens and went on my way. Towards the end of the day, he showed up again and asked me where I learned to do that. The answer was in my Dad's gas station when I was about 9 or 10.

So, for those of you who may have stripped the threads on various photographic equipment. I will use a filter and a lens as my example though it applies to mounting your camera on your tripod or monopod if the platform has a screwmount, etc. And, since a filter will essentially enclose the front of a lens, it's good to check to be sure that all of the glass surfaces that will wind up inside do not have any dust on them.

1. Start by checking to be sure the diameters of the two pieces of equipment are the same, for example 52mm filter diameter and a 52mm lens diameter.
2. Make sure the glass surfaces are clean.
3. Rest the filter gently on the front end of the lens.
4. While listening or feeling for a teeny click, gently and slowly rotate the filter backwards on the front end of the lens as though you're removing the filter from the lens.
5. When you hear or feel the click, you've found the match.
6. Change the direction you're rotating the filter
7. Rotate the filter until it's properly mounted on the front of the lens.

That is all. It works every time. The guy I explained it to was thrilled!

virginia