Follow The Rules….or not

by Leigh

Learn the rules of photography…then break 'em! The rules provide a strong foundation and framework, but once the basics have been learned, there is no end to creative expression.  Shooting with light behind you so that the subject is evenly lit from the front is often a rule of thumb.  But oh what drama backlight can create! 

A basic rule of thirds composition divides your frame into thirds and places the subject at the intersection of the lines.  Which in turn allows the eye to take in the entire scene in a pleasing way.  But powerful images can also be made by centering your subject.

Shooting into the sun can cause unwanted flare and an overexposed photo.  But shooting into the sun can also create magical flare and beautiful golden rim light.  

The wonderful thing about digital photography is that you aren't wasting precious film by experimenting.  You take a photo and don't like it…it's easy to just delete.  So get out there have fun and try breaking some of the rules.

Rules, What Rules?

by Kim

"Artists are not followers of convention and no rules or rationale applies

in the pursuit of artistic fulfillment."  - John Cerlienco

(Sun flare can be a great leading line, lol)

About those rules . . . 

We are constantly told that it is about rules of thirds, and composition. Light, shadow, and shapes. What we leave in and what we take out of the frame. There is perspective and depth of field, shutter speed and ISO. Sharp focus and quality of light. 

We are told don't shoot into the light, or create sun flare. Don't go out in the midday sun, and by all means take great care not to make a blurry image.

I think that sometimes we can become so sidetracked by the rules when we are creating, that it becomes more about "the rules" and less about what we are trying to create.

It stops being about real stuff, and it stops being about emotion because we think too much.

(Low light - In camera movement, taking full advantage of a very overcast day)

Sometimes we can get so concerned with the "golden hours" we tend to forget that being creative uses all kinds of light - it is not exclusive.

(The essence of a mum)

(Impressionistic blur adds emotion and mood to an image)

If we are more concerned with the focus of our images, we can lose our own creative focus, and sometimes we can become more concerned with post production than trusting our intuition in the moment.

(Go ahead, step in front of the light)

Honestly, I think we restrict ourselves and our freedom when we are compelled to always adhere to the rules and principles of photography, and when we think too much we limit ourselves and our own creativity. Because beyond all the rules are new techniques, and a different way to see things.

It's good to have guidelines, but it's also good to know you don't always need to use them, because let's face it, life already has so many rules as it is.

So go ahead, take the Tuesday plunge, and liberate yourself from too much thinking. . . let's ignore some rules today.

See you out in the field, so to speak...

Love, Kim