Rules of Photography?

Question

I know photography has alot of rules and whatnot, but what if I do not wish to follow any of them and just photograph with my own rules and techniques? Would I not be considered a photographer? would my pictures not be considered art? I am taking a photography class and theres rules that "should be followed", but while in class, I always say to myself, i dont want to do that or this. Any advice?

Answer 1

I've always thought of them as "Guidelines". Yes, you should know the "Rules" and use them. Yes, they will give good results. You have to know them so you'll know how and when to beand and/or break them when it suits your personal vision.

Slavishly following them will make your photography dull and predictable.

The late Robert Capa, photojournalist, combat photographer, was quoted as saying: "I would rather have a strong image that is technically bad than vice-versa."

Answer 2

While in class, get good grades, and at least know the rules.

In the real world, if you are out doing photography, with an eye to artistic shots, rules are a lot less important than what light is going thru your lens, being captured within your camera, and how you set your camera to collect it.

If your doing something more commercial, or as a means of recording an event or exhibit, you will need to know and follow some of those rules, even if the only reason is that the person authorizing you to be paid, may know the rules, and judge your work accordingly.

If you want to be paid for your ability to take photos, pay attention to the rules. Wanna be an anarchist, and create photos that you want, learn the rules so you can eat, pay rent, etc..., but know that "rules" are meant to be broken. Pic your batles well.

Answer 3

If all you want to be is someone who takes snapshots with a camera then you really don't need to worry about truly mastering the basics of phtotgraphy. There's is certainly nothing wrong with being a point-and-shoot photographer. You will occasionally get a truly great shot.

The major drawback to this approach is that when you get that truly great shot, you won't have any idea what you did to get it. One of the reasons for learning the so-called rules of photography is so that you know what you're doing with your camera when you're out shooting. As others have said, the so-called rules are really only guidelines, but you need to know those guidelines so you can consistantly take good pictures.

There's nothing wrong with thinking outside the box with your photography. Most good photographers do so all the time, but they do so with an understanding of composition, depth of field, exposure, film speed (or ISO sensitivity), light to subject relationship, lens focal length, etc. Knowing the so-called rules is only the first step. The next step is learning how and when to break them.

If you truly want to master photography, first master the "rules" then master how to break them to your best advantage as a photographer. In the long run, you'll be a much better photographer for taking the time to learn and master your craft.

Answer 4

It really depends on your level of Photography. I break the rules of photography all the time in my work. That said, when I do it it is for a very precise reason. I know in advance which rules I am breaking and what the consequences, both good and bad. For example if do not have a reason why my photo needs to be color balanced I will alter the color to set a mood. If you breaking the rules just to break them then most likely the craft of the picture will suffer and you will be wasting your and the viewers time.

Answer 5

It seems like you understand that the "rules" are only guidelines for that particular class. Have faith that the instructor is trying to teach you something. If you've seen the instructor's work and it's good, learn everything you can from his/her approach, but never lose sight of your own personal vision. They may not like what you're doing, and it may feel miserable for a while, but that's part of life for a Creative Person in any field.
If you only do things the way YOU see them, you don't grow so much. It may seem hard sometimes. Doing things "our way" is sometimes too easy. Every time I have noticed real growth in myself as an artist is after I have been forced into a certain set of restrictions by a project or client. Afterward, I still see the positive effect on my work because of what I learned to do within the restrictions. Now, I look forward to having really tight boundaries on a project, because it forces me to be even more creative with how I make it work both for me and the client.

Answer 6

I think you are thinking to much. the rules of photography are things to make pictures better. like the rules of thirds. they do not have to be true thirds. They basically mean don't put the subject in the center of the picture. To have flow to the picture is how you get people to look though the picture and the out items bring you to the subject. if someone is teaching you to use the rules there way then they are wrong. you can use the rules but use them to the way you shoot pictures. The rules are there because over time these are things that make the deference in a snap shoot and a picture. Learn to use the rules but stretch them. Make them yours. But use the concept.

Answer 7

The 1st rule of photography is, you DO NOT talk about photography...... (a la Fight Club - great movie) All puns aside, you don't "talk" about photography. You do it. There is no talk. Go out and photograph something. You can't do it from an armchair.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

For class it's best to fallow the rules....but you can probably push it as close to edge as you want without going over the line....because of you don't want to effect your grade but if you plan to use photography as a art form on your own time then push the limits all you want

Answer 10

Fhotoace has given you some good things to think about. If you don't have an understanding of the "rules", how will you know when you are bending or breaking them?

Best wishes in your artistic endeavors.