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.
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.
Cheers
PeterB666
Olympus Pen F with Metabones Speed Booster and Laowa 12mm f/2.8 or Voigtlander 10.5mm f/0.95 or Nikon D800 with the Laowa 12mm f/2.8. The need to keep in touch with the past is a Nikon Photomic FTn or Nikon F2A and a Nikkor 25-50mm f/4 AI
I haven't received due compensation yet so it isn't going.