Composition: Conscious Thought or Natural Tendency?

[Xenedis]

I try to take pictures that look good.

I don't think, hmm, I will put this on a third, or let me look for some leading lines now...

I think, that might look good, and then take a picture of it.

When you look back at those images, do you find that the good images have certain compositional elements that are known to be pleasing and strengthening in an image?

[Xenedis]

I think Kym's research is very dangerous! You need to be really, really careful about stuff like that. What it is showing is that a statistical majority prefer ROTCs a statistical majority of the time. It is not valid to then assume that this provides a guide to composition! No! The artist must compose (be that with camera or brush) according to her vision of the subject. More often than not, executed well, that will actually fit neatly into the ROT rules.

Here we come to an important point about ROTC.

It should be a 'rule' because it works (most of the time); it should not work because it's a rule.

There are definitely times when the ROT should be completely disregarded. Take this image of mine:



This would look completely wrong and aesthetically unsettling if I'd positioned it on a third.

Take the following image of mine:



This does work on a third, but it would work well with central composition -- if I framed away a lot of the background.

I like the negative space I've used here. If I'd left the camera where it was and slid the glass to the right, it'd look all wrong. Judicious cropping (or closer framing -- preferred) would be necessary for the image to work with central composition.

But not always! Indeed, I think there is a lot to be said for not teaching beginning photographers ROT until they have had a chance to let their eye develop and mature.

Interesting. I am self-taught, so I never had someone tell me that I should compose a certain way. Of course, I know from reading (and more importantly, doing) that ROTC works well most of the time.

Still, I will deviate from ROTC if the image works better when composed differently.

[peterb666]

While I am conscious of the rules of compensation

Well yeah, those too, but I meant composition not compensation. I have a keyboard problem - clot behind the keys.

[Xenedis]

While I am conscious of the rules of compensation

How is that red Ferrari going?

[peterb666]

I haven't received due compensation yet so it isn't going.

[James T]

When you look back at those images, do you find that the good images have certain compositional elements that are known to be pleasing and strengthening in an image?

I don't know. I'm sure you could overlay a grid or spiral of some sort. Or point out incomplete entities, and label points of tension if you wanted to.

I prefer to just go with what works for the picture though.