Siesta Key, Woman Catching Ball
“There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.”
— Ansel Adams
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There are rules in photography, and it’s important for novices to learn them. Good photographs, however, are often good because they break the rules. The problem with rules is that they tend to stifle creativity resulting in predictability and conformity. Once these rules have been integrated, it then become important to learn a new one - THOU
SHALT NOT BE BORING!
Take the very basic rule of thirds. Convention has it that the subject is positioned one third into the picture with more space in front than behind. With this photo however, I wanted to show the subject as I experienced her that day – virtually flying out of the photograph. When I look at this image, I first see the man and his companion in the center. Since they are of no visual interest to me, my gaze almost immediately shifts to the attractive woman who is leaping out of the photo.
A good street photograph has a hint of mystery and there is a minor one here. The subject, with her sunglasses, hairstyle, two-piece bathing suit and bracelets appears to be carefully groomed and deliberate. Here, however, she’s playing with seemingly carefree abandon. I am curious to know more about her.
Another contradiction: This was a hasty shot and yet composition appears. The couple do not draw my attention, but they nevertheless occupy an important place in this image. They add depth, counterpoint, and strengthen the diagonal. In this photo are several strong lines – horizontal, vertical, diagonal - and triangles created by her figure.
Perhaps you can spot them.