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25 questions linked to/from What is the 'Golden Ratio' and why is it better than the 'Rule of Thirds?'
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105 votes
23 answers
21k views

Why do breathtaking views turn into "boring" photos, and how can I do better?

I recently purchased a Canon 700D with a 18-135 IS lens to get into photography. I'm trying to improve, but my photos seem 'boring'. Let me give some examples: I took these today. The scenery looks ...
Paze's user avatar
Paze
  • 1,315
88 votes
4 answers
15k views

What historic reasons are there for common aspect ratios?

The most common width to height ratio rates in the "old good" paper photography seems to be 3:2, which was adopted by today's DSLRs. Early (non-professional) digital cameras adopted 4:3 aspect ratio, ...
Boris Gorelik's user avatar
Boris Gorelik
  • 1,063
45 votes
3 answers
10k views

What is the "Rule of Thirds"?

Please can someone explain the "Rule of Thirds"? What is it? What does it tell me? Why is it important? What can I do with it?
AJ Finch's user avatar
AJ Finch
  • 11.8k
33 votes
4 answers
8k views

What is the 'Diagonal Method' and should I use it instead of 'The Rule of Thirds?'

I recently was in a discussion with a photography mentor who asserted that over the years he has composed most of his award-winning and/or 'most popular' photographs using the 'Diagonal Method,' and ...
Jay Lance Photography's user avatar
Jay Lance Photography
  • 26.8k
26 votes
5 answers
2k views

How to create an eye-path?

Reading about photography, I have now and then stumbled on recommendations to "create a path for viewer's eye", or to "lead it through the picture" without any specific guidelines how to achieve that. ...
Imre's user avatar
Imre
  • 32k
11 votes
5 answers
9k views

Why do compact cameras keep using 4:3 and not 3:2 like DSLRs? [duplicate]

3:2 feels more suited for the modern way of watching photos, like on a laptop or any form och wider screen model. Why do they keep making the 4:3 ratio? What historic reasons are there for common ...
Tindra's user avatar
Tindra
  • 812
29 votes
2 answers
2k views

What is Bakker's Saddle?

I was perusing a book called "Success in Print Competition for Professional Photographers" and one section referred to a composition technique called Bakker's Saddle. Three related questions: What is ...
Jay Lance Photography's user avatar
Jay Lance Photography
  • 26.8k
7 votes
8 answers
3k views

If viewers don't respond to the rule of thirds, why do some photographers still emphasize it?

Previous posts (1, 2) explain the concept of the Rule of Thirds and the Golden Ratio. Some previous answers state that the Rule of Thirds is the Golden Ratio, but that is not true. The two are ...
Abdul N Quraishi's user avatar
Abdul N Quraishi
  • 4,947
12 votes
2 answers
5k views

What is a point of interest in a photograph and where is it lacking in this candle picture?

I've been told that this picture has no point of interest. Does this mean that there are too many elements in focus here? I would like to understand the meaning and the reasons behind it and how to ...
Aquarius_Girl's user avatar
Aquarius_Girl
  • 5,612
10 votes
6 answers
3k views

What should I consider for cropping aspect ratios?

The question What things should one take into account when looking at cropping a photo? asks about factors that affect composition during cropping. I'm interested in a very specific sub-set of this, ...
Flimzy's user avatar
Flimzy
  • 1,359
5 votes
8 answers
4k views

Rule of thirds -- is there any scientific proof behind it?

I learned about rule of thirds only recently, and it excited me a lot, and it seems to apply to a lot of situations. But my question is why does it make pictures look more appealing? Does it have ...
Ivin's user avatar
Ivin
  • 159
11 votes
4 answers
3k views

What are connotations of horizontal and vertical lines in composition?

From my question on diagonal dominance I learned that diagonals are used in many subtle ways, like guiding viewer's eye, expressing depth or energy. How do horizontal and vertical lines affect viewer'...
Imre's user avatar
Imre
  • 32k
8 votes
5 answers
3k views

What should be considered for employee photos to put on company's website?

I work in the entertainment industry and am looking to produce friendly looking images of our employees (sales managers, customer support people, and so on) to put on our company's website. What ...
Kashif's user avatar
Kashif
  • 189
10 votes
2 answers
1k views

How to use the Fibonacci spiral to create better photos?

How do I use the golden ratio/the fibonacci spiral to create better photos? What should be where? As I understand it, the main focus should be where the spiral gets smaller. But what about other ...
Vitalis Hommel's user avatar
Vitalis Hommel
  • 229
12 votes
3 answers
856 views

What are other popular composition techniques in addition to The Rule of Thirds?

I always hear a lot about The Rule of Thirds. I'd like to know more about other 'tried-and-true' composition techniques (not special effects) that can make a photo more interesting. In particular, I'...
Ian Felton's user avatar
Ian Felton
  • 453

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