The Rule of Thirds is one of my favorite photo “tips”. My husband taught me this one and I think it’s helped with the composition of my shots. But there are those times when it’s OK to break the rule, and in this case, I think the photo works without it – the nail dead-center, and the strong diagonal line running almost corner to corner are contrary to the rule but somehow it works. I like the color contrast between the upper and lower portions of the photo and the way the nail is silhouetted against the sky, making this decaying wood and old nail seem significant in some way.
Edited to add these older photos for Ron… what you’re looking at above, is a close up of the decaying peak of this old bird feeder that sits along the property line – in the shot above I was standing directly in front of the birdfeeder, shooting up and to the right a bit. Shows how a different perspective can really change the shot!
I agree. You have turned this decaying wood and old nail into a beautiful photograph.
Thanks for the ROT lesson (I need it) but also for the fact that it was a nail. I was cursing you for not making the image larger so I could tell what sort of structure it was protruding from those cliffs, must have been all the Wild Turkey I consumed as a child.
Great Photograph.
This is one of those times that the part doesn’t need to make the whole. I like the silhouette you have here.
Perfect example when to break the rule – this is really a neat picture – great eye and creativity!
Such a wonderful photos!!!!!! And rule of three is a very good rule….
It helped me a lot too. You take so nice pictures.
//Ann-Marie
I love the silhouette of the nail against the blurred background. Also love all the detail in the wood. Great for the theme!
Great shot to use for this theme. And, thanks for providing an explanation of your decision-making in composing the shot and breaking the rule. We all learn from each other!
What an interesting photo. I love the shaddowing in the sky that accentuates the nail.