In the beginning, photography seems like it’s all about following the rules. The rules of composition, correct exposure, color balances, post processing — for every facet of this art form, there are sets of guidelines about the things you should and should not do.

However, there always comes a day when, in order to grow as an artist, you need to dispense with the rules. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: The rules of photography are there to teach people how to take good photos, but sometimes in order to make something with a unique twist or something that is entirely new, you need to break those rules in such a way that it makes a better finished photograph.

This doesn’t mean that we need to throw caution to the wind and abandon everything we’ve ever learned about photography, but it does mean that you can safely flout the rules where and when you feel it’s necessary. I’ll show you some of the things that I’m talking about!