Lens-Artists Challenge #347: Break the Rules!
Before I found out there were rules in photography, I was simply shooting what I liked. I agree that rules help make a shot a better image. However, there are times when your intuition speaks louder. Whatever the reason is, it’s your photography and your rules.
This week, Ritva is asking us to break the rules. One of the things she mentioned in her post stuck with me: “Photography is as much about emotion and instinct to me as it is about technical skill.” I agree with her views wholeheartedly. I strongly encourage you to check out her post and photos and understand in your own way what she means about breaking the rules. Full disclosure: I found this challenge one of the hardest for me. It made me think what rule I was breaking when I captured the images I featured here.
In the featured photo, Devil’s Waterhole at Inks Lake SP, I opted to center the horizon line dead-center. The reflections were too perfect not to take advantage of them in creating what caught my eye when I stopped at that scene. In doing so, I broke a rule and followed another: symmetry.
And what about this centered framing of this South American Mock Vervain? Symmetry was all over the plant. To take advantage of that, I broke the rule of not centering your subject in the frame. Also, those who favor “border patrol” in photography will notice many things around the edges of the frame. Could I have minimized or erased them? Nope, nature is not perfect.
This green heron appears to be leaving the frame. I could have used AI to add more terrain on the left side of the image. With the heron moving fast, I did not have the luxury to frame it correctly for this shot. On the other hand, by breaking that rule, I focused on the heron’s determination. The image invites the viewer to wonder what the heron saw. Did it succeed in its pursuit?
Butt shots often don’t mean much. However, when you see your bird feeder at nearly full capacity with House Finches burying their heads in the seeds, it’s too good a shot to miss. Forget the rules!
The final image is a first for me. I’d never seen an egret and a heron so close. What made it challenging was to avoid the egret’s beak from appearing to be scratching the heron’s neck. I could have moved a few steps to the right, but why? This is one of those instances when having the appearance of something going through one’s head — or, in this case, a neck — led to a humorous moment for me. Incidentally, once the egret passed the heron, I got the shot of both birds close to each other and with adequate space separating them. That’s for another post some other time.
Last week, we all went to the movies with Sofia’s Cinematic challenge. What a thrill that was! Terrific photos and takes on the challenge. This week, Ritva asks us to break the rules. I can hardly wait to see what your responses will be. Be sure to check her post, and don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag when creating your post so we can easily find it in the Reader.
Next week, it is my turn to share a new challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you might also be interested in others featuring Devil’s Waterhole, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Green Heron, Inks Lake SP, Landscapes, Lens-Artists, Texas, Wildflowers, and Wildlife. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
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JohnRH
Great photos Egidio. Centering works well. Once in a rare while I can get a reflection shot I can turn upside down for a teaser. I love all the others too.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, John.
Steve Schwartzman
Compositional “rules” might better be called suggestions. Sometimes they yield good pictures, but violations of the “rules” sometimes also yield good pictures.
Inks Lake State Park is a central Texas treasure of nature. I recognized the Devil’s Waterhole immediately.
Egidio Leitao
That is an unmistakable scene for anyone who’s been at that park. Thanks for writing.
I. J. Khanewala
When photographing wildlife you often don’t have the luxury of composing things well. That shot of the green heron is typical when you are following a fast moving creature. It’s nice and sharp, and does very well to show off the bird. And for the others it was clearly your choice to inject humour into the picture. That works well too.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you for your kind feedback.
Wandering Dawgs
Egidio, I’m glad you broke some rules to get these fabulous shots! The heron and egret one is perfect. The heron looks like he is totally ignoring what the egret is doing. The green heron makes me wonder what prey he is going after. I love the flower that is centered.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Beth. Sometimes we just to click the shutter button and forget about rules.
Steve Hyde
Rules or not, they’re all great shots 🙂
Egidio Leitao
Many thanks, Steve.
Sofia Alves
It’s all about the perfect timing and you had it in your shots, Egídio. God for you to have your own rules, they work beautifully.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks a bunch, Sofia.
Toonsarah
I so agree with you when you say, ‘it’s your photography and your rules’ and I especially love that shot of the finches’ butts!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Sarah. I couldn’t pass that chance to capture the bird feeder shot.
Donna Robinson Photography
Wonderful selections of breaking the rules, Egidio! Your opening shot is stunning. I’m with you, this was a hard challenge! I shoot what I like/looks good/balanced, but not about what “rule” I’m using. 📷😉
Egidio Leitao
Thanks a million, Donna.
Joanne
Ah, such fun! I love the swan and the egret. All great photos, great selection for the challenge.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much, Joanne.
Alison
I’m not one for following rules, too many rules in life already! The egret and heron photo is a great shot. One a one in a million photo the bird feeder is. Competition worthy
Egidio Leitao
Alison, thank you for your supportive feedback.
Vicki
That image of the Egret (seemingly) poking its head into the Heron’s neck is priceless. Well done in catching that composition. It definitely brought a smile to my face.
The same with the Heron running out of the frame. I can’t help but wonder where and why it was going so fast.
Centred framing, particularly of flowers, is perfect to me. I’m sure to find many of those shots in my own photo library.
Egidio Leitao
Vicki, thank you for your detailed feedback. Much appreciated.
Anne Sandler
Great post Egidio! You followed your heart and intuition. Excellent examples.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you very much, Anne.
Leanne Cole
It’s funny hearing how many people started photography with not knowing what the rules were. I guess I was the same, but it was a long time ago. I think these images are great and your explanations for why you did what you did make perfect sense. Great images Egidio.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks a million, Leanne.
Terri Webster Schrandt
Rules? Schmules! I also believe photography is about moments. I like following most rules, but you demonstrate the humor and interest when following your gut! I love the heron and egret shot! Well done!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you very much, Terri.