Ritva’s challenge is to break the rules of photography. She tells us “The carefree spirit of snapping images without overthinking allows for spontaneity to shine through, infusing each shot with authenticity.”
When I first got interested in photography I had no idea there were rules. I just took photos of things that were interesting and fun. Today I still take most of my photos without thinking too much about the settings and photography rules.
The Rule of Thirds is one I frequently break. Even though I know this rule I sometimes can’t help myself from centering the main subject when I take a photo. The bird on the grill in the header image was begging for food as we sat an a picnic table eating our lunch. I couldn’t resist taking his picture.
I recently was introduced to the rule of odds which suggests using an odd number of elements in a photograph. I seem to frequently break this rule.

When I am photographing motion I often don’t have time to adjust the settings on my camera so I just aim the camera and hope for the best.

The lighting was wrong and I couldn’t find a good place to stand in order to capture these musicians performing in an Irish Pub. I was having so much fun I wanted to capture the moment anyway.

Many thanks to Ritva for this challenge Lens-Artists #347 – Break the Rules
Learn how to join the Len-Artists challenge by clicking here.

I am with you. I break the rules too, and just take pictures of what I like, not worrying about anything else. If they come out, great, if not, I delete them. Pretty simple. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for commenting. I’m glad I’m not the only one who breaks the rules of photography!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure. Far from it. I think there are quite a few of us who like to break the rules. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am the same with motion shots, I also aim and hope for the best 😂 sometimes it works. Rule of odds, if there is only two are you not going to take a shot of the pelicans, of course you take. Go ahead break the rules if you do it so nicely. Great images Beth
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritva, thank you so much! This was a great challenge for me. As I looked through my archives I realized how many times I have broken these rules. I’m glad you liked my examples.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love all these shots, Beth. The galloping ponies is my favorite!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lindy, thank you! Those ponies were going pretty fast. I was happy with the way the photo came out.
LikeLike
They all look good to me, plus they hold special memories for you so that makes them even better. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Judy, thank you. The reason I started taking photos was to be able to bring back memories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Who cares about rules when one is enjoying a moment or capturing something spontaneously – especially when it’s in motion. Terrific choices for the challenge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tina, I’m sure I’ve been breaking photography rules that I didn’t even know about. I’m glad you enjoyed my choices.
LikeLike
Excellent examples, Beth. When it comes to wildlife, I’m lucky to catch what I can, whether it’s an odd or even number.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Egidio, so glad you enjoyed my broken rules images. For me, photographing wildlife is kind of like trying to capture motion. Sometimes I just have to aim the camera and hope for the best.
LikeLike
I use that same approach. Wildlife is often unpredictable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are so alike. I too take pictures of what I like and I should have a great shot. If not, delete!
Great shots!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nancy, unless it’s a really bad shot I have trouble deleting some of my photos! I’m glad you enjoyed these images.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh and these are fleeting moments!
Happy Mother’s Day! 💐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Mother’s Day to you, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🥰Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
enjoyed your post
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Catching life in its delightful messiness. The bird, the blur, the pub—each tells a story far more honest than a perfectly staged shot. Rules can wait; moments won’t.
Philo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Philo, thank you so much for your kind words. I’m glad you liked my captured moments. I love your last thought – Rules can wait, moments won’t. So true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome, my friend
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just read Philo’s response, and it’s spot on. I love his thought as it relates to your post, “Rules can wait; moments won’t.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks John! I love his thought, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I too read Philo’s comment and I couldn’t agree more. Messy or not, imperfect but lived. I love the last one, I think you’ve done really well, Beth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sofia, thank you so much. Philo’s comment is a great reminder to enjoy each moment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes photos are better when you break the rules!
LikeLike