Week 38 Composition: Rule of Odds (The rule of odds is easy enough to understand and employ. So use the rule of odds in an Urbanscape/Architecture photo.)
Image submitted in response to Dogwood Photography’s annual 52-week photography challenge.
Someone once shared with me her personal goal of reading one book of child psychology for a week over the course of a year. She then asked, “Would that result in me becoming an expert?”
Off and on over the years, I have found myself pondering this exchange. About three weeks ago, while watching a Ted Forbes YouTube video I wondered, “how would my photography change if I was to “focus” on a particular element of photography each week for a year while also including various past lessons into my images throughout that week?
Well…I’m into my third week of this journey, The first week was exploring focusing techniques; the second, rule of odds; and this week, simplification and negative space.
At this time, it is my intention to review my journey and share a photo video each Saturday. If you wish to join me, I would enjoy hearing and seeing your photo journey.
Simplification and Negative Space (Ted Forbes, The Art of Photography)
Nikon D750 f/7.1 1/250 300 mm ISO 160
Nothing is hidden;
It has always been clear as day.
For divine wisdom; look at the old pine tree;
For eternal truth; listen to the birds sing.
Seeking the mind; there is no place to look;
Can you see the footprints of flying birds?
Above, not a single tile to shelter under;
Below, not a morsel of ground for support. ~Zenrin
Rule of Odds…not a rule, law, or expectation. A guideline created by how the composition within an image may gift us with the balance we unconsciously seek.
The youtube episode below is an introduction to the rule of odds hosted by Ted Forbes, a photographer and filmmaker. He started producing the Art of Photography as a podcast in 2008 and the show has since grown into a popular YouTube channel and resource website providing a 360° view of photography to a global audience. Enjoy
https://youtu.be/n-1tq0FEBV4
In this xdrive photography lesson, Raj notes that for about an hour during sunrise and again at sunset, photographers are gifted with what is known as the “golden hour” or “magic light.” Generally the sun’s light is diffused and soft during these two time periods.
In the image below, I chose to combine Raj’s golden hour lesson with a personal study of the rule of odds. This image was created about 40 minutes before sunset with what I identified as cirrostratus clouds to the west of my home. In the past, I have found that the quality of light during the hour before and after sunset is often times influenced by both western clouds as well as the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Nikon D750 f/7.1 .5 s 35 mm (prime) ISO 100 neutral density lens
a meditative journey 
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