Rules are meant to be broken

sevencrossing

We all break the rules, some of us more than others
Which ones do you break (or would like to break)
and please give some examples

sevencrossing

Dont point your camera at the sun

paulr

I hear these words Break the Rules. Often when listening to expert photographers in lecture rooms. I disagree, I prefer the words Adapt and Bend the Rules to suit the composition, dynamic range and mechanical use of the camera.
We spend a lot of time learning our craft from our peers, so by adopting their knowledge and using that information, with modification to the individual circumstance that each image dictates, our photography improves. The basic principles of Photography have not changed. Light and composition, just the technology of our tools which give us variables and more choice on the so called Rules.

haroldp

Breaking the rules is best done by those who thoroughly understand the rules and how they became such.

It is too often an excuse for laziness or ignorance.

... H

ThomasHorton

That's why it is important for the photographer to be able to explain (even to themselves) why they chose to break a specific rule.

sevencrossing

That's why it is important for the photographer to be able to explain (even to themselves) why they chose to break a specific rule.

I have I never been very keen on keeping to rules

I think it is more important, the rule makers to explain why they are there

Yes I can think of "rules" I should not have broken

But I can think of of more, I wish I had

paulr

Sometimes when it all goes wrong i think perhaps i should have kept to the Rules Lol.

Capt_Spaulding

@sevencrossing. One of my favorite rules to violate.

tcole1983

@sevencrossing. One of my favorite rules to violate.

Driving while picture taking...oh you mean into the sun ;-)

jshirley

I don't hold the camera the 'proper' way (cradling the lens in the palm of my left hand) when taking pictures. It is just too uncomfortable for me to twist my wrist around like that. I also use my left eye for the view finder. I just prefer to hold the lens, with my left hand, as if I'm viewing thru binoculars. I don't care if I don't look like a 'pro' when I'm taking pictures.

Capt_Spaulding

Ummmm. Yes. Picture taking while RIDING into the sun. ">

Msmoto

Oh, yes, hand holding the long lenses.....

tcole1983

I couldn't tell you any rules so not sure if I break any. I take pictures at whatever angle to the sun and such there is...sometimes into sometimes the side. I almost always shoot hand held even with my 300 F4. I shoot macro hand held and I always keep my VR on.

Macro with SB400

haroldp

Oh, yes, hand holding the long lenses.....

You are usiung exactly the hold used by match rifle competitors (I am one) in the standing position.

Elbow cradled in hip, skeleton forms a natural tripod.

Very good.

.... H

DenverShooter

Oh, yes, hand holding the long lenses.....

Is that a rule? I hand hold them all. My 400mm F/2.8, 600mm F/4 and the 800mm F/5.6. Now I will be downing Ibuprofen like popcorn the next day... But it never stopped me.

Denver Shooter

spraynpray

Now I will be downing Ibuprofen like popcorn the next day... But it never stopped me.
Denver Shooter

Ooo-er, DenverShooter, I wouldn't like to see your liver!

Msmoto

Glad to see are still reading posts on NRF, Mike. Maybe if I hold a small NRF Getogether in South Dakota you can attend.