Break The Rules Of Composition -

[@utkn]

Hi Mike! I haven't seen your videos in ages and this one just popped up in my feed now. I see you lost weight, you look awesome! Thanks for giving out awesome tips for such a long time now. Gotta rewatch some of your old videos to dust off my knowledge and get a bit of nostalgia haha.

[@MikeBrowne]

Hey, thanks and welocme back.. MIKE

[@MrCochise71]

Wonderful Mike. Been shooting professionally for years yet I still learn from your amazing videos. Simply fantastic photographer and teacher my friend.

[@MikeBrowne]

Much appreciate the kind words Cochise, Glad it's been of value to you...Mike

[@steventrueman3493]

Hi mike, as an absolute beginner, i have been watching your vids for a while now and i must say that im a bit chuffed with myself, im finding that im pre-empting things that you are doing and also commenting to myself what i would do different with the pics you are doing, all this is bcos of you, i am about to embark on your ultimate beginniners course and i know that it will help. Thanks again for your inspiration Mike.

[@MikeBrowne]

Hey thanks Steven. I'm delighted to have helped. Welcome aboard!... MIKE

[@susanta131]

Hi Mike, I learnt photography from your videos several years ago when your videos were on your website and not on KZbin. I didn't have a camera at that time but applied everything when I bought my camera. Thank You

[@MikeBrowne]

Wow that's Awesome, thank you Susanta. Stay well my friend... MIKE 🙂🙏

[@paulmoss4199]

Thanks Mike, my favourite quote is from Hans Zimmer, he said “If somebody tells you a rule, break it. That’s the only way to move things forward” I guess it applies to photography too !!

[@MikeBrowne]

Ha ha - sure does Paul... MIKE

[@MikesVoyagesAndDrives]

The diagonal is only done so that the model is not hit by the sign if it falls down. I must confess that I rarely consciously pay attention to any rules when I am photographing. I choose the composition of the picture as I like it best. Just by feeling. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. Take care and stay healthy.

[@L.Spencer]

I was just thinking the same thing, that I don't follow rules but go with what looks right to me. But I also don't know the rules so now, how can I break them? Take pictures that don't look good to me?

[@MikesVoyagesAndDrives]

@@L.Spencer no, look through the view finder and compose your image just as you feel the situation. Capture what you feel and you will like your shots. If you squeeze into some corset of rules, you will not like your photos. Develop your style and don't care too much about what others say. As long as you like your photos, it's ok. Everyone who is involved in photography goes through phases in which his photos change until the final style is developed. This also applies to post production. Be inspired by masters like Mike, but don't try to imitate them. Then you always compare your results with their pictures and are usually disappointed. This leads to frustration and many have already given up disillusioned. The important thing is to always stay on the ball, go out and take pictures.

[@MikeBrowne]

Hey Michael. Me too. If it looks good - shoot it. Stay well yourself buddy... MIKE 🙂🙏

[@MikeBrowne]

Go with your gut Loraine. If you don't know the 'rules' you're more than halfway there... MIKE 🙂🙏

[@peterjackhandy]

At last - someone who does it the same way I do. Didn't see your comment until after I posted mine.

[@mverick160]

I preferred of the first shots, the one with the rule of thirds. Rule of thirds also wants something other then a basic background in the image. Step off the the edge of the wall so theirs something more there. I agree, rules have times to adjust them. But knowing the rules helps with that. And then knowing why you've went out of the rules. Personally, I'd of preferred a touch of flash.

[@WagonPilotAdventures]

Good reminder to always move around when framing a shot. Sometimes a slightly different perspective makes for a more interesting picture.

[@MikeBrowne]

It can make all the difference indeed Wagon, finding those interesting angles and keeping on the move both in your thinking as well as your practice, can make the world of difference to your pictures...Mike

[@AnandaSim]

Good one mate. I've as always encouraged multiple angles and directions but you've way exceeded this with excellent demos in this video

[@MikeBrowne]

Glad you enjoyed it Ananda, always great to try out different angles and alternative perspectives if you have the time, experimentation and just trying things out works a treat...MIKE

[@dennispenton2052]

Wherever you are in Fame from this KZbin Exposure it's because you talk to the photographer's spirit instead of tech data. This one was that ! Thanks

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Dennis... MIKE 🙏🙂

[@bisoh84]

Ive heard the "composition rules are guidelines" phrase alot. While I understood the gist of it, I've never seen it practice. I'm thinking now about how I automatically just go to one of the composition rules when shooting. This is eye opening Thanks Mike

[@MikeBrowne]

That's great Bassem... have a look at my Masterclass course if you want to know more www.photographycourses.biz/courses/photography-masterclass

[@farisalfaris8120]

Hi Mike, how are you? Excuse me, I need your episode in which you were shooting in the snow and . I remember that there was a white donkey in the snowy landscape. It is an old episode, I watched it long time a go, but I need it now . So please if you can help by reminding me what was the title or sending me the link. Thanks a lot.

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Eric hope you're well! is this the video you're referring too? - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGa4dIZml7aUiZo -Hope it's of help, MIKE....

[@johna6968]

When you chose landscape format and placed the model on a vertical third line with her looking away from the negative space that was never really going to work.

[@pictureeyecandy]

You are right because she was so close to being out of the frame and also looking off toward the edge so it feels off!

[@MikeBrowne]

It's all in the eye of the beholder. Sometimes having someone looking out of frame works great - it depends on the feeling ot mood you want to convey.. MIKE :-)

[@peterjackhandy]

Totally depends on the 'story' & the background. Can work beautifully with the subject looking out to sea.

[@johna6968]

@@peterjackhandy Im not convinced. Would always give the impression they are looking away from the majority of the composition

[@pictureeyecandy]

@@peterjackhandy As photographers we strive to make a readable "story" with a single image. It's unbalanced and feels off. I'm not sure if you could put something on the right side of the frame to make it work? Maybe someone pointing towards the left, That gives her a reason to be looking out of frame. Then you finish the story! Is something exciting or dangerous? Does she need to run, move so she doesn't get hit?

[@b991228]

Arnold Newman created an engaging portrait of Igor Stravinsky by violating rule of thirds.

[@MikeBrowne]

Love that image Jim... MIKE

[@saladvolcano3103]

Great, inspiring video! Thanks for posting this. Cheers!

[@MikeBrowne]

My pleasure!

[@chasingvenusfilmarts]

Always inspiring! Thank you Sir.

[@MikeBrowne]

So nice of you - Thank you... MIKE

[@francisjordan309]

Hi Mike, I agree, the rules are not really rules but guides meant to be tinkered with. Another great vid. Please keep it up.

[@MikeBrowne]

Will do Frank, many more to come!...MIKE

[@brucesmith9144]

Glad I found your channel once again Mike. YT changed my notification bell to "personalized" from "all" and thus missed out on past episodes. You may wish to make a comment reminding viewers (and especially long term subscribers) to check their settings.

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Bruce. Welcome back! Easiest way to stay informed is to leave me your email address on the video section on my website. We've got loads of new stuff going on from these challenges to webinars... Link below... MIKE www.photographycourses.biz/videos

[@brucesmith9144]

@@MikeBrowne thanks Mike; I have just done so.

[@jaspalsingh6498]

Sir your photography tips are just awesome

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Jaspal 😇

[@tectorama]

(Alan) Great tips Mike, although I wasn't keen on the shots of just her face and shoulders at the bottom of the frame. To me they looked a little odd. As you say, rules are there to be broken, although I do often apply the rule of thirds when photographing wildlife.

[@iaingeoghan2548]

Phenomenal model ! great video Mike; Katrina knocked you out of the park my friend! Understand the rules and then break 'em; often a good plan. i try to break rules in every part of life:) cheers mate "You don't shoot picture, you make it" Ansel Adams

[@MikeBrowne]

Hey Iain. Not only a great model, Karina's an actress, presenter, Kick boxer, photographer, biker, musician... Yep she kicked me right out the park buddy! We'll be doing more stuff together. Hope you and the family are well n happy... MIKE

[@iaingeoghan2548]

@@MikeBrowne Sounds like an all around superstar to me! Excellent!.. We are all doing good thanks; I hope you are happy and well too. My Mum is excited about one of your web seminars she signed up for. I am trying to teach her as best i can :-) cheers mate. Keep being you!

[@iaingeoghan2548]

MIKE'S courses are phenomenal people!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Iain.. MIKE 🙏🙂

[@StephenJoines]

I've had many shots that break the rules and turn out better than expected. Some of the time I actually take about 7-8 shots of a subject some within rules and some without. Its the beauty of digital cameras (your not wasting film). So, I agree Mike! break the rules!

[@MikeBrowne]

Ha ha - that's the way to do it Stephen... MIKE :-)

[@tilerman]

Hi Mike, great tutorial as always. Slightly off topic, and i do hope you don't mind me saying, you are looking very healthy after your weight loss. All the best mate.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you - I feel much better too

[@ajantasengupta7452]

Thanks

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you so much Ajanta

[@ajantasengupta7452]

You are welcome! It's a bit difficult transferring money to the UK from India without too many charges. Paypal wouldn't let me 'donate', so earlier I had sent an amount here through my relative who's in UK. However KZbin is still a better option for those like me who don't use credit cards. I hope that I could do more in future.

[@sarahbatsford4791]

Great video, love your work.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Sarah - do you enter the challenges?

[@PeterArnold1969]

Another great tutorial, as usual, Mike. @5:20 I noticed with the Rule of Thirds shot that you did, the model's face was on one intersection, but there was nothing on the opposite corner to balance the shot out. If there was a small flower on the wall in the opposite corner to the model, I reckon that shot would have looked amazing. As you said, rules are made to be broken, but that particular shot didn't quite look right to me.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks for the feedback Peter 🙂

[@davidmackenzie1565]

Loved the video. Can you say where you took the pictures? Britain has so much to offer in terms of locations it would be really nice to know where you were for your shoot.

[@HeartagramTroll]

Noooo go explore and find something unique to you

[@MikeBrowne]

Here you go David. It's the Bargate in Southampton City Center.. MIKE www.google.co.uk/maps/place/E+Bargate,+Southampton/@50.9012619,-1.4041725,209a,35y,39.47t/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x487476b6858d95a7:0xf73793c22f47eed3!8m2!3d50.9028276!4d-1.4039474?hl=en

[@mikieson]

Hey Mike thanks for another video.Finally you have a beautiful subject again rather than books and cups..hahah..:D I would like to make one small critique.It seems the lady would stand out a bit more if she were wearing some color.She kind of blends in with the stones. I mean,she is much more beautiful than the stones..hahah..but she blends in a bit..Thanks buddy and I always enjoy your approach to photography.. Cheers.

[@MikeBrowne]

😅 Funny - she messaged me about that about an hour ago... MIKE

[@paulbernardi2597]

Great stuff Mike as always.

[@MikeBrowne]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lifeguardlloyd]

Great stuff! ❤️

[@MikeBrowne]

I hope you'll be watching tonight!

[@peterjackhandy]

Whoever named it a 'Rule' should never have been allowed to teach. I've come up against so many togs, experienced as well as newbies, who genuinely think of this kind of dogma as unbreakable: Usually the same types that think turning a boring photo black-and-white makes it some kind of 'Fine Art'. Often makes me chuckle when someone expounds on the 'leading lines', 'diagonals', 'thirds' etc in one of my images; because I very often don't see them when taking the shot. I just waves the camera about a bit & takes a few snaps 'til 1 or 2 look about right. 50-odd years of snapping experience?... Dunno ☺

[@MikesVoyagesAndDrives]

I feel the same way. What exactly is "Fine Art Photopgraphy"? I'm just a person who likes to take pictures. Not even a photographer, because I don't do that for a living. And certainly not an artist. But as you say, a lot of people think they take a meaningless photo and it's art just because of the techniques they used. I'm on Facebook in a group for analogue photography. It's a lot of fun, but there are also a lot of people who think their photos are art just because they are completely analog. People are constantly arguing about which film, which camera, which developer, which paper. How long the developing tank was moved, whether it was shaken or rotated ... and whatever. Many look down on the "digital nerds", because they are not real photographers and certainly not artists. The only thing I shake is my head. For me it depends on the result. If the photo is bad, it is bad. If it's good, it doesn't matter how it was taken or what you did to achieve that result.

[@MikeBrowne]

I sooo agree with you about dogma @Peter Hicks and @Michael Flick Photography. I too don't usually notice how an image was composed until afterwards. Just move about, tilt n twist until the elements look good then take it. Too many people look for shortcuts insted of just getting out there and practicing. 50 yrs experience is exactly why it works for you Peter. ... MIKE

[@ajantasengupta7452]

This is such a great lesson!!

[@MikeBrowne]

Glad it was of help Ajanta...MIKE

[@satinswan1979]

The "rules" are certainly circumstantial. I always feel like the thirds rule, in particular, is weird with a single subject, as if leaving room for a business logo or such.

[@MikeBrowne]

Circumstantial - great way to put it Bethany... MIKE :-)

[@petermillar24]

I think "breaking the rules" becomes a subconscious thing at some point, just like "following the rules" did at an earlier stage - just another stage in development. It made it a bit hard for me to engage with the video, sorry! (Same thing happens in music when someone tries to "explain" something, so maybe it is just a problem between words and see/hear) I guess my personal favourite videos are the ones where you wander around and say "hey look at that!" then snap and show.

[@MikeBrowne]

"breaking the rules" becomes a subconscious thing at some point, just like "following the rules" did at an earlier stage - Well said Peter. And thanks... MIKE 🙏

[@pictureeyecandy]

@Mike Browne Help! I was trying to get ideas from movies, I was watching a video on angles in movies, one was the Dutch Tilt! Well, I asked live on a Q&A when to use a Dutch Tilt. The Photographer wasn't happy, to say the least, that I asked the question and all I got was for an answer of when it works! Then I was told if I try it will never work. Is that true? Great video

[@MikeBrowne]

Hey Alvin. Well to behonest the answert you got about it works when it works is exactly what i'd say. There are no rules with this so only thing you can do is try it and see. Sometimes you'll like it - sometimes you won't - and you'll never please all the people all the time... Hope that helped... MIKE

[@pictureeyecandy]

@@MikeBrowne Yes, Thanks

[@AdrianParkinsonFilms]

Something I'd add is that if you're going to do a tilt, make sure it's tilted enough so that people know you did it on purpose. You don't want it to look like you can't hold a camera straight.

[@pictureeyecandy]

@@AdrianParkinsonFilms 100% Yes I definitely will try with a heavy tilt. Thank you

[@robertleeimages]

The rule of 3rds image in the second set(inside the building arch/walkway) didn't work for me because of another "rule" and that was, all the space was behind with her looking in the opposite direction. Coming into an image naturally looks better than going even though she was stationary, it would have worked beautifully if she was looking over her shoulder into that space. Now mind you i break the rules all the time, why because if they were "rules" to the letter of the law then in essence every landscape, portrait, etc apart from mood and light would look the same and that's not very individual.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Rob. Absolutely, we all have our preferences and rules are more guidelines than rules. Really helpful when beginning, but as we evolve and find our own style they're less useful... MIKE🙏😊

[@stoicaadrian9534]

multumesc

[@simmo303]

As Captain Barbossa would point out, not your actual rules as such - more like guidelines.

[@MikeBrowne]

Indeed... MIKE

[@nigelwest3430]

I hate to worry you but there is a baby Tribble about to go for your throat

[@MikeBrowne]

AArrrgggghhhhh - hate Tribbles, nasty pesky furrry little mouths with their pointy pointy teeth. Thanks for the waring... MIKE 👍😲😉

[@AngloSaxon1]

I don't follow any rules with my photography, as long as I get a good shot and the picture looks good who cares?

[@MikeBrowne]

Couldn't agree more :-)

[@VALERYAN581]

the theory is good but the examples are not

[@MikeBrowne]

🙂 - how would you have done it VALERYAN?... MIKE

[@nuiboon8070]

You're skinny now!! Wow!!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks John - you too buddy. If you've not been around for years come have a look at the new creative challenges I'm doing between here and Facebook. The emphasis on being creative, rather than just cameras and settings. We have regular challenges, live feedback sessions and a lovely group of photographers over there too. If you'd like to find out more and come join in, please click the link below... MIKE www.photographycourses.biz/pld

[@messylaura]

Photography has rules? nahhhhhhh, :)

[@MikeBrowne]

Exatcly @messylaura... MIKE 👍👊👌👏🙂

[@tomwd.2825]

Well, you are just showing why the “rules“ are invented in the first place. Just for the sake of breaking rules its a little awkward... wanna know why rule of thirds or better golden ratio is a thing... watch the mona lisa... that picture is full of rules... and it works, big time. Just saying.

[@frankieg5130]

He's only saying not to get hung up on the rules. It's a RULE not a LAW. When you know what the rules are you can creatively break it, which he has demonstrated perfectly and he's not the only photographer to do so.

[@MikeBrowne]

👍

[@NakedInSeattle]

Not your best effort. By the way, you've lost weight?

[@MikeBrowne]

🤣🤣 - yep sure have... MIKE 👍