Rule of Thirds- is it out of date?

[ahockenberry]

I have a question about this one...the Rule of Thirds seems to be very much like the Bible for most photographers...but I am wondering if it is not a bit out of date, especially as it relates to bird photography. The tricky part of photography is that almost every focal point is in the centre of the viewfinder, which makes it difficult to change everything to the rule of thirds without cropping. Does every subject have to be placed in the same location(s) in a photo for it to be considered a legitimate photograph? Would apreciate your thoughts.
Thanks

Ashley

[Harv]

I for one think the rule of thirds is still a valid one and makes for an overall pleasing photograph. However, rules can be bent or outright broken if it will enhance your photograph. I don't think anything is really cast in stone.

As for focal (focus?) points, most modern digital cameras allow us to select an off-center focus point. Others will allow us to lock focus using the center point and recompose.

In any event, I guess it's up to us as individuals to decide what works and looks best to ourselves. In my personal case, I find centered images to look very static and with birds, I always at least try to give the bird more room to the front. I just find it more pleasing.

[Joe F.N.]

Ashley, the rule of thirds is a guide not a law. There isn't anything that says if your photograph is outside the boundaries as set out in the rule of thirds, that your picture will fail. One of the most beautiful images I ever saw in a competition was rated low by the presiding judges of the day. They didn't have sufficient creativity in them to 'step out of the box' and see the incredible beauty the photographer had created. The main 'practical' function of the rule is for students to use it consistently so they will mechanically start to compose instead of merely making a record of the event. Once it becomes natural then the creative juices will kick in allow the photographer to bend, manipulate and recreate wonderful images. But the rule still stands in most of the good shots that we see. Hope this helps if just a little.

[Sheldon Bowles]

Don't forget the Golden Ratio of 1.61803399

You can check it out at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_ratio

Or, just make pictures that look nice. It's damn hard to get a snowy to sit on a pole at the 1.61803399 ratio spot.

Cheers, Sheldon

[Desert Rat]

Yep, as everyone else has said.. No one has to stick with the rule of thirds, but it does help in presenting a pleasing image.. As they say rules are meant to be bent or broken at times.. When the time is right and the rules are bent or broken they do work for certain shots....

[David Cramer]

Don't forget the Golden Ratio of 1.61803399

You can check it out at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_ratio

Or, just make pictures that look nice. It's damn hard to get a snowy to sit on a pole at the 1.61803399 ratio spot.

Cheers, Sheldon

Maybe the next line of cameras will have a 1.61803399 button that will automatically place the focal point in the right position.

Other than that, I agree with everyone else. The rule of thirds is not at all outdated. It seems to capture a way of expressing what most humans find to be a pleasing composition. But it's not right for every photograph, so do what works for you.

[Corry]

IMHO once you learn the rules of photography and become accomplished you know when to bend and even break them.

Also photography is certainly an art form and too much restriction would hinder expession.

[Rudi]

Rules were meant to be broken. As an artist, you should know when to break them (we're talking photography as art, right?). It is the old nugget - for every rule, there is an exception (how else would we know that it is a rule? :D).

[Corry]

Are you a Rebel Rudi ;)

[Rudi]

Well, I don't wear a black leather jacket (not all the time, anyway), and don't ride a Harley, but yeah, I guess... :D

I guess I'm just allergic to the folks that read a book and then quote it to everyone else on the forums. You can spot them easy - they are the ones that state the obvious! I have never believed in photographic "rules". Sure, I've read some of the books, and even learned from them, but I've seen plenty of photos that break all the rules, and are even better for it! So I don't live by the rules... :)

[Corry]

Oh I believe in some photographic rules....

1. Never take pictures of your Wife, finace or GF when they aren't ready and "lookin all pretty"

2. Never buy new camera gear without first getting your wife, finace or GF flowers.... or in my case getting her some gear too

3. Never tell your wife, fiances or GF that you love your camera... even though you do... you are supposed to only love her.

now unlike standard photographic rules these ones should not be broken unless you are prepared to practice the art of "Major Sucking up"

"special side message to my wonderful fiance kia... I am not talking about you baby, honest... I am reffering to other photographers wonderful women"

:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

[Kevin]

Lol Corry and very true! (Good example of sucking up as well ;))

Seriously though, my take on this topic is yes, it's important to understand the rules but only so you can determine when to effectively break them or when to properly follow them.

[kia]

Yes Kevin, he has the art of sucking up down to a science. As for breaking rules, one third of me wants to cuff him up the side of the head LMAO

kia

[Kevin]

lmao; Too funny, Kia! That has to be the best application of the "rule of thirds" I've ever heard! <still laughing> roflmao;

[David Cramer]

Yes Kevin, he has the art of sucking up down to a science. As for breaking rules, one third of me wants to cuff him up the side of the head LMAO

kia

NOW I understand the rule of thirds!!!!:biglaugh:

[Keith]

Damn, that is how it goes, all those years married and someone now tells me rolleyes; :p

[imageswest]

I have a question about this one...the Rule of Thirds seems to be very much like the Bible for most photographers...but I am wondering if it is not a bit out of date...



Considering it (in its "Golden Mean" form) pre-dates the Bible, I suppose it might be getting a bit old... but it still works!

[Keith]

I've never been a rule of thirds kind of guy rolleyes; I crop to what I like as that is what atleast most of us hobbyists do :) I have had many discussions over this one in past years, I like out of the box thinking, keep it fresh I say, but agree with Harv, on birdies usually try to leave some room in front otherwise looks out of sorts

[ahockenberry]

Thanks guys...I really got my money's worth on that question...and the Golden Ratio is fascinating and warrants more looking into. Thanks again!

Ashley