composation

When to Break the Rules

Just as there are times when guidelines are helpful, there are times when they can be modified or ignored altogether. Knowing when to ignore the guidelines requires some experience, but the results can be quite dramatic and cause a photograph to shine above the crowd.

Some photographic artists can wield the guidelines as a sculptor and their clay. They blend their understanding of composition with personal interpretation, and sometimes technical experimentation, for magical results that often go beyond the realm of rules and guidelines. There are no formulas for achieving this wonderful ability; it must come from understanding.

Following are four images that have broken major nature and wildlife composition guidelines. While not award-winning works of art, they are still compositionally sound images.