Breaking Photography Rules
In the crazy world we live in today, where almost everyone is obsessed with perfection, some of the most impactful and meaningful images come from embracing the imperfections and the chaos that comes with it.
The Beauty of Imperfection in Photography
Whether it’s an image that’s out of focus or has motion blur, or maybe the image is overexposed or the composition is a little wonk.
Iconic photography isn’t about getting tack sharp focus or the right technical settings in your camera.
It’s about telling a story.
It honestly doesn’t matter how you achieve that. Some of the most memorable work comes from breaking photography rules and letting the moment unfold naturally.
Some of Richard Avedon’s work is known for having his subjects a little off-center or giving that caught-in-the-moment feeling of capturing someone in the middle of picking up an object. It gives the image a sense of realness and relatability.
Love realness and relatability? Check out Top 8 Candid Photography Tips
Intentionally breaking photography rules allows us to see ‘imperfections’ in a new light — let’s break down the ones that often make photos iconic.
# 1 Motion Blur – Capturing the Energy
When I started photography, I was taught that having a super sharp image is what makes a photo great — but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Years later, I learned that adding a little slice of motion blur can make the viewer feel so much more. It’s as if they were there; they can almost predict the action or sense the direction the subject is moving.
How it works…
Slowing down your shutter speed lets you capture movement — for example, a dancer in motion or a rock concert where everything is fast-paced. A little motion blur creates energy and emotion in the shot in a way that a crispy photo never could.
Breaking photography rules like this opens the door to more dynamic, story-driven images.
Tips for Beginners…
- Shooting at 1/30s can give you some of that delicious motion blur while still keeping parts of the image sharp — depending on the scenario and how fast you or the subject is moving.
- Have fun experimenting with tracking your subject and panning the camera in the same direction. This technique can really create a dynamic image if you hit that sweet spot. It might take a few tries, but I guarantee you’ll capture something amazing the more you practice.
More Blur: 4 Ways to Creatively Embrace the Blur in Photography
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#2 Grain & Noise – The Texture of Emotion
In an era of ultra-clean and polished photos, many photographers are breaking photography rules by intentionally adding in extra grain, grit, and textures.
Why? Because grain creates a vibe — a certain mood or even some nostalgia. Maybe they’ll throw in some grit overlay that makes images feel more real.
Why it works…
- Vintage film cameras develop that grain we all know and love — it’s what makes those older photos feel timeless.
- In digital photography, raising the ISO can also give you that grain-type of feeling. It’s a very similar effect, especially in those darker lighting conditions where breaking photography rules can lead to more expressive results.
Check out 10 Top Tips for Wonderful Low Light Photography
Tips for Beginners…
- Instead of fearing high ISO, embrace it! I typically shoot at ISO 3200+ in dim light to introduce natural noise.
- I use Photoshop to manually layer textures or overlays onto my images, using blending modes like Screen, Lighten, Darken, or Overlay, then adjust the light levels when needed.
- If you’re editing in Lightroom, add grain manually for a cinematic, film-like feel — another great example of breaking photography rules to create something unique.
#3 Unconventional Composition – Tension & Mystery
The rule of thirds, leading lines, and symmetry are all great tools for composition, but sometimes, breaking photography rules and ignoring them makes a photo more interesting and a little less basic.
How It Works…
- Having your subject dead center or in a super unexpected spot of the frame can create interest.
- Tilted horizons, cropped faces, and extreme close-ups challenge normal beauty but draw the viewer in.
Tip for Beginners…
- Try some deliberate off-center framing to add tension or mystery to your shots. Sometimes, it’s the subtle things like how you frame the shot that can make a massive difference.
- Use the negative space around you to emphasize the subject rather than filling the entire frame. Having that negative space can naturally draw your eyes to the subject.
Wanna learn the “Rules of Composition” before you break them? 4 Essential Principles of Composition in Photography
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Get instant access to the password-protected Free Resource Library with step-by-step guides, tutorials and creative inspiration. Improve your photography skills today—discover the guide that suits your photography needs.
#4 Flare & Light Leaks – Adding Dreamlike Imperfection
Lens flares and light leaks are often seen as unwanted distractions, but when used creatively, they add a beautiful, dreamy quality to an image — another example of breaking photography rules to create something unique.
Why It Works…
- Sun flares, reflections, and unexpected light distortions create atmosphere and warmth.
- They remind us that photography is about capturing light, not just a subject.
Tip for Beginners…
- Shoot directly into the sun or a bright artificial light to create lens flare.
- Experiment with old lenses or add prisms and glass in front of your lens for interesting light effects. Use wine glasses or even rub Vaseline on your lens filter (not the actual glass of your lens) or use glad wrap for extra glow.
Discover More: Powerful Silhouette Photography in 5 Simple Steps
Final Thoughts – Perfection Is Boring, Real Is Iconic
At the end of the day, the photos that people remember — the ones that get shared, printed, tattooed, or stuck in someone’s head forever — aren’t the ones that followed every rule. They’re the ones that made you feel something.
They’re messy. Raw. Honest. Maybe a little f*cked up technically, but perfect emotionally.
Photography isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about telling a story. Showing someone a piece of the world the way you see it. And sometimes that means breaking photography rules, embracing the chaos, and trusting your gut over your gear.
So the next time your image is blurry, grainy, crooked, or blown out, don’t delete it. Don’t overthink it. Look at it again. Ask yourself: Does this feel like something?
If it does, congratulations.
You just broke the rules… and maybe, just maybe, made something iconic.
Jonti Wild is a professional photographer and creative director known for his raw, emotional style and storytelling approach. Australian based in Los Angeles, he’s photographed musicians, models, and global campaigns.. always chasing feeling over perfection. His work celebrates grit, imperfection, and the human side of art.
This post is a breath of fresh air! I love how it encourages embracing imperfection and focusing on emotion over perfection. It’s a great reminder that powerful photos aren’t always technically perfect—they’re the ones that make us feel something. Truly inspiring and beautifully written!
Thank you 🙂