Rules And Composition - By Robert Hughes

Further discussion regarding Composition and Rules

By Robert H. Hughes

Composition has been grossly overstated. Silly predetermined notions and opinions about how a picture is formed has hurt the photographic profession. The idea that a subject should be "placed," means that someone has predetermined the picture. A predetermined picture is little more than a "connect the dots" type approach. Anything remotely reminiscent of predetermined, is some critics idea of "art by committee," or. a formula. Neither of these two options leads to innovation. The best and most effective use of composition is, simply put, the "strongest way of seeing!" (Ed Weston)

Remember this: The first rule is that there are no rules, and the second rule is that there is no right answer. The third rule is to return to the first rule. Does this statement make these rules, "non-rules?" Once again, what is the first rule?

Rules of composition have been "handed down" traditionally, by the art community who had the "rules" handed to them. When we are taught to recognize certain patterns, ultimately, we *teach* those patterns as well.

When I hear that old familiar battle-cry "you have to learn the rules in order to break them," I realize that this is just another form of creative "block." There are many phrases like this one that seem to be making a point, but, in reality is an oxymoron. Let's look at the reverse, for a moment. When we learn rules, we don't learn to understand what to "break," we learn what to assemble! When we are taught to recognize patterns, we are not especially good at creating other, different patterns! We are good at doing what we do good! Doing the opposite, is not a practical function of learning to do something!

This is so important I will say it again:

Doing the opposite is not a practical function of learning to do something!

"Robert H Hughes"

SO ... We learn to become good at what we have learned! We learn rules not to break them, but to practice them! It is not reasonable or fair to assume that we will learn something and then be expected to do the opposite. We must learn that too!

We are all so different, so unique, that no set of rules could be of any real value. Learn to practice your uniqueness. Learn to place your unique qualities on film. Learn that real vision is a by-product of discovering the uniqueness within you. Once you discover this, the uniqueness that is outside you ...will begin to reveal itself!

Real vision is not a set of predetermined rules! Real vision is what you see when you are not looking! Real vision is something that mysteriously happens inside of you when you least expect it.

So ...

... real vision is not a set of rules!

... real vision may not have anything to do with looking or seeing!

... real vision is too powerful to describe with only words!

Let me discuss technique:

Technique is different than rules! Technique provides options. Technique can help us understand the history of the process. Techniques offer, and rules restrain!

Let's take a closer look:

As you become aware of photographic techniques, then the way in which you work has a infinite number of possibilities! With an "infinite" approach, an innovative outcome is inevitable. With a set of rules the outcome will be less than it's potential!

Please understand the difference between technique and rules. I believe that it is my duty to learn whatever technique seems appropriate. I further believe that learning a set of rules would not be as helpful. I place these words on paper to remind myself to share technique Art cannot be taught and rules have little or no bearing on the subject!

Welcome to The Robert Hughes Center for Creative Imaging

Contact Robert Hughes Photography at: (614) 488-2769 / roberthughes@ameritech.net