Rules of Composition !!!

During a recent trip to the mountains with a group of photography enthusiasts, I realized something funny about the way in which we approach digital photography. It seems more and more importance is given to the 'Rules' of composition over one's instincts or intuition. Needless to say, on coming back, everyone from the trip ended up with similar images, displaying a lack of creativity. This trend isn't surprising as most of the online content on "Taking_better_pictures" swear by the Rules of composition. They tend to create the impression that without the 'Rules' photography doesn't exist. Photography contests and Digital Saloon exhibitions seem to prefer photographs that adhere to the laid out rules of composition, indifferent to the types of photography. Judges check if the photograph fall 'IN' or 'OUT' of the set rules. I have also been to some workshops, both basic and advanced, where the mentors try to etch such rules in the minds of students.

I feel 'Rules' itself sounds limiting, depriving one of the freedom of expression, and thus suppressing creativity. I tend to prefer the term 'Guidelines' as opposed to 'Rules'. Guidelines aid in composition, but may not necessarily apply to all situation. Bruce Lee once said, "Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own".

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JYOTISH DUTTA

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