Kubrick and Symmetry
Added 2021-09-27 16:58:54 +0000 UTCOne of the first 'rules' of composition a student of photography will be introduced to is the 'rule of thirds'. The concept is that any image may be divided into thirds, three columns and three rows and that our eye is naturally drawn to the intersections of these columns. Here is an example of placing a subject in accordance to this rule:
Beginner photography students are often encouraged to Not place the subject in the center of the frame as this is the instinctive way we tend to see things. However, as they say, "You learn the rules so that you know the correct way to break them".
If you have read any of my other essays, you will know that I am a huge fan of film (as in motion-pictures). One of my favorite directors is Stanley Kubrick, is famous for his great cinematography and his symmetrical perspectives.
Apart from the symmetry, the wide angle gives these compositions a greater impact.
While I can appreciate the need for the 'rules of aesthetics' in learning an artform, it is always great to see a master break them in such a creative way and to inspired in your own work to do that.
There are other elements of Kubrick that I find myself using, but I'll leave that for another post.
