Project 52, Week 3, Rule of Odds

Week 3's topic is the Rule of Odds.  One doesn't hear this stated as a rule everyday when studying photographic composition, but it's well known in interior design, painting, and other creative arts.  The rule is simple: an odd number of subjects is more visually appealing than an even number. 

For this week's photograph, take pictures of one, three, five, or even seven subjects. 

1. If you use more than three subjects you may risk cluttering the photograph and confusing the viewer.
2. You can have one primary subject flanked (framed) by two secondary subjects.
3. As with most rules, this one should be broken on occassion.  For example, you wouldn't include an extra person in wedding photos of the bride and groom or wait for a family to have three childen before taking a family portrait.  Or if you see two pink polka dotted turkey buzzards flying over your house, don't wait for the third one to show up.

Suggested reading and photographs:

Digital Photography School:
The Odd Rule of Compostion
Four Rules of Photographic Composition, Rule of Odds

Art Composition Rules from About.com Painting

New Rules of Photography from Niki <3

Photography Compostion, at 2:27 on Youtube videot\, from Mindbites