Timeline for If viewers don't respond to the rule of thirds, why do some photographers still emphasize it?
Current License: CC BY-SA 3.0
8 events
| when toggle format | what | by | license | comment | |
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| Sep 20, 2015 at 18:47 | comment | added | mattdm | I think this answer is fundamentally good, but too many people place special importance on the specific ratio, lines, or cross points. It's be nice if the answer went into more detail on that. | |
| Aug 30, 2015 at 19:13 | comment | added | Michael C | It doesn't matter how good or bad the photo is: not everyone will like it and not everyone will dislike it. Even if you're Ansel Adams or Walter Iooss, Jr. there are going to be those who say you're a hack. And even if you are equally bad, there are going to be those who think you are good. Yes, the photographers we consider "good" generally get a much higher percentage of those who appreciate their work than those we consider bad. But it is almost never universal. | |
| Aug 29, 2015 at 15:02 | comment | added | Dan Wolfgang | @MichaelS: I think you're reinforcing my point. Just because you favor symmetry over thirds doesn't mean you are not following rules or not thinking about creating the photo. And, as you wrote, the goal is that the resulting image be better so that the viewer can enjoy it more. | |
| Aug 29, 2015 at 14:57 | comment | added | Dan Wolfgang | @AbdulNQuraishi: "but what if the viewer is also a art/photography student and needs a quantifiable reason?" Then you can give them one. Composition rules, exposure, lighting technique, etc -- there are always things to talk about with those who want to discuss! | |
| Aug 29, 2015 at 9:33 | comment | added | MichaelS | This example is a false dichotomy. You started with a tree growing out of his head. Sure, the rule of thirds coincidentally fixed the scene, but it wasn't required. You could just step left or right before taking the picture, then the tree would be left or right of a still-centered subject. You could have the subject move left or right and remove the tree entirely. The rules may be written for the photographer, but the purpose should be so the resulting image is better for the viewer. The rule is only important if the viewer's experience is improved because the rule was followed. | |
| Aug 28, 2015 at 16:11 | comment | added | James Snell | Upvote purely for quoting a pirate! | |
| Aug 28, 2015 at 14:51 | comment | added | Abdul N Quraishi | Interesting! As photographers, such rules can become second nature, as it has been in my case and perhaps my over whelming urge to explain to a viewer, is uncalled for! but what if the viewer is also a art/photography student and needs a quantifiable reason? you do make some good points though. appreciate it. I am going to upvote as you have made me see something new | |
| Aug 28, 2015 at 14:26 | history | answered | Dan Wolfgang | CC BY-SA 3.0 |