We don't use composition rules for their own sake, we use them as a tool to understand what gives balance and tension to an image.

When used right, the rules help us create an image that anyone can experience in the way that was intended. However, just because you use some rule doesn't mean that you used it correctly, or that it was the right rule to use to get the effect that you were looking for.

You don't have to know anything about the rules that artists use to appreciate the result. Actually that knowledge can be in the way sometimes. You might recognise that an artist used a specific rule, and totally miss if it actually gave the intended effect or not.

We don't use composition rules for their own sake, we use them as a tool to understand what gives balance and tension to an image.

When used right, the rules help us create an image that anyone can experience in the way that was intended. However, just because you use some rule doesn't guarantee that you used it correctly, or even that it was the right rule to use to get the effect that you were looking for.

You don't have to know anything about the rules that artists use to appreciate the result. Actually that knowledge can be in the way sometimes. You might recognise that an artist used a specific rule, and totally miss if it actually gave the intended effect or not.