A Scenic World

It recently came to my attention that I have no idea what the “rules” for photography are (thanks, Keith!). So today, I set out to find out just what these rules are – and break them.

After exhaustive research (read: I visited three websites – four if you count Ken Rockwell, who apparently doesn’t believe in “rules”), I discovered that the following are generally considered to be the general rules (via ezinearticles):

Rule of Thirds -If you draw two vertical lines, dividing your photo into thirds, then two horizontal lines the same way, the lines intersect at four points. Compositionally, elements in the photograph should fall at one (or more?) of those four points.

Lines – Lines should be used to direct the eye of the viewer. Diagonal lines are apparently stronger than horizontal or vertical lines.

Texture – This should be used to add depth to the photo.

Color – Hmm, this one should be self-explanatory?

Framing – Use the surroundings of the subject to help draw attention to the subject. A window would work, as would foliage, as would…a frame. Ha!

Contrast – Light subjects get dark backgrounds, dark subjects get light backgrounds.

Now some portrait-specific rules (via shotaddict.com):

Camera angle – Shoot from eye-level. Otherwise odd body parts can be exaggerated.

Composition – It’s best to not fill the frame. Leave space to the side of the subject. If they’re looking in one direction, leave space on that side.

(via johnharveyphoto.com)

Lens choice: 105mm and longer work best for portraits with an isolated subject. 70mm will also work.

Focus: THE EYE(S) MUST BE IN FOCUS.

So here’s my rule-breaking self-portrait:

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 30th, 2008 at 4:18 pm and is filed under 365, Photography Tutorial. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.