gente / people # 3 Nati

Hi ! with other photos before, I´ve been told that a portrait like this should

be vertical, with no negative space. I wonder why. Just because "there´s a

rule that says so" ? I´m open to learn, and I´m also open to break some

rules. Your comments are very appreciated, thanks a lot in advance.

I like the negative space, although maybe a little less would make for a stronger image. This is a really striking image & personally I doubt if it makes much difference if it's shown vertical or horizontal. It's a terrific face.

Excellent portrait!

Facundo,

Some photographers want their images to be unique -- to be different from what other photographers shoot. They try to move away from conventional composition and design elements. The elements of design or composition can influence how we perceive the picture. They have a predictable affect on viewers. The further you move away from the conventional, the further you move away from what is known to work. We get the term “compositional rule” in photography because it is a design element that has been shown to consistently work.

Once you understand the "rules" of photography and why they are used, you can break them to achieve a specific and planned outcome. It usually is not a good idea to break them for no reason.

Nice shot,

Mark

Thank you Mike, Svetlana and specially Mark for your time !