Many years ago, a good friend and I put together THE BEST RICE, or 11 steps to good composition. THE BEST RICE is the first letter for each rule. For example, the first T stood for "Thirds, Rule of", and continued with the other letters. It's elementary, but simple. lt was used to help York Daily Record correspondents in their photography, explaining that getting a good picture was more than hitting the shutter release.
Sometimes, you shoot a picture that works. It's pretty, pleasing and, well, it just works. Can't explain it. This photo is one that breaks all the rules, including the Rule of Thirds.
Was shot Monday on the Great Allegheny Passage, a bike trail that runs from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. Hand held at 1/2 second and f11, 200 ISO.
So what do the other letters mean? An inquiring mind wants to know. :)
Oh, they'll be coming in future blogs. But since you're interested, take each of those letters in The Best Rice, and tell me what YOU think they should stand for. Here's one to start-- "E" is for entrance and exit. Like telephone poles, fences or roads that lead into the picture. Now start your list. I'd be interested to see it.
Alright Bill, I will take a crack at it.
THE BEST RICE
T =
"Thirds, Rule of" - Golden Rule of composition.
H =
Horizons - Keep it horizontal or vertical just the way you see it.
E =
Entrance & Exit - Items that can lead the viewer into the photograph.
B =
Background - Does it create interest or distract the viewer?
E =
Elements - Shapes, lines, scale, textures, etc.
S =
Subject (Matter) - Obtain a viewer's interest. The photograph should tell the "story" on its own without explanation.
T =
"Training Your Eye" - Learn to see in your mind the final image before clicking the shutter.
R =
Recompose - Avoid the cliche "Mom-Shot." Look up/down/left/right and behind you. Take a few steps as well while doing so. This also could be "Rules are meant to be broken."
I =
Intent - What story are you trying to tell? How much of an impact will you obtain?
C =
Contrast & Color or "Create Depth." - Couldn't decide.
E =
Exposure - Getting it right in camera saves a lot of time developing, whether it's digital or film.
Did I get any of them?