Break the rules!Aspen

We've all learned the "rules" for composition. There's the rule of thirds, the diagonal rule, the shoot-at-eye-level rule, the active space rule - rules all over the place, and for the most part, they are a good thing. But sometimes the most exciting images are those that break the rules. The rules are really more guidelines. Treat them as such. Otherwise, your images may all tend to look as if they were taken by "formula."

For instance, the image to the right is one of my favorites, but it's centered, with the main lines of the image straight up and down, and leading the eye right into the middle of the picture. So why is is so arresting? In some ways, it's because it breaks the rules. The repeating lines and contrast are eye-catching, and the little splash of green at the very edge is a fresh living spot in an otherwise stark subject.

Things to try:
    Use motion blur to create interesting abstracts or zoom while the shutter is open.
    Experiment with intentionally slanting the horizon.
    Center your subject.

Use your imagination - and have fun! You might just come up with something great!