Breaking the rule of thirds

[souledout]

Okay, so I need another opinion (or opinions) on whether breaking the rule of thirds works in this case. I like how the photo came out, but does it look strange with the edge of the building centered? Should I crop it?



Thanks

[wulf]

The rule of thirds isn't a fixed, do-it-or-we'll-break-your-fingers deal; it is just an option that works well in many cases. Have you played with some options? Eg.

Vertical(ish) line about 1/3 of the way from the left (lots of sky)

Ditto but 1/3 of the way from the right (building dominates)

Vertex of triangle where wall and roof join on top left intersection of a thirds grid

If you aren't sure what will work for a picture, mock up some options then sit back and compare them.

Wulf

[djb28]

I think it looks nice. The color is great. Do you like it? Thats all that really matters. The edge of the building is not center of photo to my eyes. I do not follow this rule. If its right or wrong does not matter to me. I go with what i feel is right for the shot. Besides, i do not follow directions well! lol.

[KajeYomama]

I think this picture could work as it is, but I also the rule of thirds might present a better picture (just by imagining things)... one thing that does bug me a little bit is that the right side of the building is not straight (vertically)... then i was looking for other lines that do match up, but the bottom is not horizontally matched nor is the left side vertically straight. I think matching up the right side of the building would be good. its a great shot! the sky is such a beautiful colour!

[KajeYomama]

I feel like i'm not sure whats the main focus of the picture... the building? or the beautiful sky? which is why rule of 3rds kind of helps with that.

[kernix]

the rule of 3rds is just a guideline - okay to break it if you get a better pic. I agree that there's too much sky on the right.

[denja]

I like the image as is, but I also agree with Wulf about trying different approaches. The only one that even comes close to pleasing me is this one. I changed the perspective so that lines are vertical and cropped out some sky, leaving the right vertical on the 1/3 line. I still think I like the original better. Let me know what you think.

[flavio]

Basically I like the picture, the lines, the sky and the composition.
Perhaps a few adjustments might help to improve it a bit more, along the lines of denja's response.
I would use a perspective tool to adjust the horizontal and verival lines.
I would get rid of the upper part of the building, which is breaking the flow.
I did some quick fix using the GIMP to better explain myself.
Here it goes:

[denja]

Originally Posted by flavio

Basically I like the picture, the lines, the sky and the composition.
Perhaps a few adjustments might help to improve it a bit more, along the lines of denja's response.
I would use a perspective tool to adjust the horizontal and verival lines.
I would get rid of the upper part of the building, which is breaking the flow.
I did some quick fix using the GIMP to better explain myself.
Here it goes:

Flavio - I like the approach of looseing the the top of the building!

[Stathis Zavvos]

a good thing to consider when photographing whatever that has many lines, is to not parallel them with the horizon. try and shoot it so that the lines of the construction point towards the photo, so they drive the eye in the photo and not to the far right. photos with lines drive the eye through the lines first, and then the eye wanders to the rest of the environment. the main subject would be the building not the sky. the observer would follow the lines to the "inside" or depth of the image giving it more of a 3-d approach, and leading him to enjoy the beautiful sky afterwards. of course thats only my opinion. cheers!