Joel Mayerowitz, Lightning, Provincetown, Mass., 1977

Joel Meyerowitz, Life-Guard

Joel Meyerowitz, Empire State Building, NY

Joel Meyerowitz, Redhead

Joel Meyerowitz, Storm, Mass.

The rule of thumb which you mention is a good one to remember, and you rarely want to break it, but there are always exceptions to every rule. Artists, including photographers, like to play with rules and see how many they can break and still create a workable image. There are so many factors to consider. (Meyerowitz's picture, "Blue Hour," posted below, is an example of a successful image which breaks a major rule in photography.)

Surprisingly enough, this picture actually does follow the rule of thumb. Notice that there is more sky than earth, and the road is off-center. It begins in the lower right quadrant and leads up to a point that is slightly right of center. You also have the hill rising on the left which keeps the picture from being static. The hill at its highest point is almost exactly half way between the top and bottom of the frame, and this may give the impression that the photograph is breaking the rule. If there was a hill on both sides instead of the little valleys, it would be far less interesting to look at.

Even a slight difference in these things can make the difference between a static and dynamic picture. As you pointed out, the fact that there are no straight lines is critical to making this photograph the successful, beautiful one it is.

Joel Meyerowitz, Red Interior

Joel Meyerowitz, Gas Station

Joel Meyerowitz, Blue Hour

William Eggleston, Woman On the Curb, Memphis, TN
1969, 1970.