The Golden Rule
- This topic has 10 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated Mar 27, 2008 at 3:52 am by
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Ben Cochran’s old Ford got me to thinking today about some things with images that we all talk or think about but do we truly explore. That thought is the “Golden Rule“. Some folks call it the “The golden mean”
A very worthy photo made sir – nothing better than a mix that’s ironic.
Well recognized, and well captured.
Kendal
I have spent some time thinking about all of this and I would have to admit that I have been spending to much time working more as a graphic designer and less as a photographer. I think that I have spent to much time with the designers and kind of let go of how I use to shoot.
How-ever, not every image has to have the rest of the story, dependent upon use and intention of the image. I know that you know this, product shots and illustrations for example. When shooting the Challenger, the AD didn’t care about or want the illustrated second story as they wanted the focus on the automobile as an illustration. I did some product shots, a while back, and that too was a singular focus. Have to admit that it is kind of cool to go to markets in the Baltic States and sections of Russia and see part of my portfolio on packages setting on the shelves. lol
I do agree that an image that does reinforce the story are or can be amazing shots but in commercial photography, one is not always aloud that sort of luxury. I know that some of the art directors get very upset when a photographer decides to sell their artistic flare over what the assignment was suppose to be shot for and the product or services that it was suppose to highlight.
I agree though, I too like images that have supporting stories but not always.
Ben-
You are correct. Usage truly dictates the photo. I needed to clarify that this is a photo journalist way of approaching a photo. Magazines, newspapers and such. AND
I did some product shots, a while back, and that too was a singular focus. Have to admit that it is kind of cool to go to markets in the Baltic States and sections of Russia and see part of my portfolio on packages setting on the shelves. lol
Ben –
PLEASE tell me you made photographs of that – and then please tell me that you’ll post them here sometime.
Kevin-
Yes, I love the creative lighting shots as well. As soon as I get free time and a good model, I want to try some of those shots for fly fishing. With the newer abilities of creative wireless remote strobes, using this approach on the rivers may deliver some truly amazing, nonPSed, shots.
Kendal, I think that I may still have 1 or 2, they were part of the crash that I had and I used to date one of the GA gals so, lets just say that asking for a copy would not be in my favor LOL
It has changed a lot though, they are more current in everything. Once these countries gained their independence, they quickly adopted everything western. Even Russia is night and day from what it was and truly, some of the best photographers in the world are in and from Russia. I am blown away from some of their images. The culture has changed a lot as well and they are truly a very fashionable culture that stay very current on the European trends. Finding beautiful models is very easy, not all are professional, but the skills of the photographer, as a director, can make them appear as though they are well seasoned pro’s. Even the professional models that I have worked with are very humble and respectful to the photographer. I had one celebrity that the publisher gave me a warning on, they said that she has been very difficult in negotiations and had many demands. I met her at a local sidewalk cafe and over coffee, all of her demands were gone and for the entire week she said; “I trust you and will follow all of your direction”. It was one of the most enjoyable weeks, on one shoot, that I have ever had and unless I do another one in Eastern Europe, it will probably be the only one that I will ever enjoy that much. They had also hired a male model from Milan, a professional at that, and he was much more difficult to give direction to.
I am on my way out the door but decided to reply to you real fast as I will be on a shoot until next monday. When I get back, I will see if I can find those product shots, or at least relocate the one that I did find recently. Nothing speculator, just product label but it was kind of cool to see it in the stores 🙂
Symmetry is all well and good and and lends a sense of balance and proportion. Asymmetrical compositions create tension and interest. Showing multiple surfaces adds depth and proportion. As Weston said “composition is the strongest way of seeing”.
I dislike rigid visual constructs when designing images. Particularly the “rule of thirds” where image after image begin to look predictable.
Rules and photography simply don’t mix. Oftentimes, I will follow a particular rule subconsciously and realize it after the fact, but I never let rules dictate my personal vision during the discovery process.
I also need to clarify that ALL rules are meant to be broken
I also would like to say. BREAK THESE RULES but keep them in mind. many times we think we broke this rule but we havent. We are just using a different grid
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David – I would like to clarify that “symmetry” in the context that I wrote it refers to the balance and proportion that you mention BUT you took that as literally “SYMMETRY”… lets use the word “balance” instead. Edward Weston is the perfect example of ALL THESE rules – He was the king of the rule of thirds – but his work changed the grid and he realized the mathematical balance points before opening a shutter every time – Those grids are what I really did not want to go into. I would also like tho say that the photo you placed is another good example of the rule of thirds and the use of a horizon line.The thing is, we ALL fight to stay away from rules. You think you are fighting it and you are using these natural tool of balance everyday. The better the Photographer – the less he or she thinks about rules. Then he or she thinks that they are breaking new ground by not using visual constructs…. BUT THEY DO… and do not even know it.
The purpose of this thread was not staying within the grid – Honestly I could care less about the structure of a photo – I shoot what looks good to me – BUT I know why it looks good to me.
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