One of the well-known rules of composition, the Rule of Thirds, suggests we should put the subject on either the horizontal or vertical thirds of the frame. This is indeed sound advice, and it almost always results in a strong and successful image. However, much of the time a subject can also look great when placed in the center of the composition. I feel this is especially true when the subject is symmetrical. Placing it in the middle of the frame underscores that symmetry and, again, makes for a very strong image. Rules in art were made for a reason, but it's also true that they can be broken. I photographed this beautiful tree in the Palouse, the northeast section of Washington State, at sunset. It is a 3-frame HDR composite, and I used a 24-105mm lens at f/22.
3 Comments
Jun 20, 2016, 6:14:09 AM
Jim - Absolutely right, Robert. With reflections, usually the waterline, or the horizon, is best placed in the center.
Thanks, Rob.
Jun 20, 2016, 1:24:02 AM
Rob Smith - Beautiful shot Jim and point made well. Thanks!
Jun 20, 2016, 12:58:06 AM
Robert Dominis - YESSS!!!!! Thank you! I hate when someone criticizes an image for only "you didn't following the rule of thirds". If the center of the frame is best place to put the subject, then put it there and stand by your decision. This is especially true for symmetrical water reflections. Inevitably, the horizon line tends to run right down the middle of the frame.