I am a firm believer in rules are there to be broken, i speak here in terms of photography and art. Of course in life, some rules you really are better off not breaking (like shooting your school bully in the back with a pistol or running naked through your local supermarket)
I say this because sometimes people are too caught up in what is 'meant' to be or how they got taught it 'this way or that way' so it must be right. Plop. Who says it must be right. Who says that this looks better than that. Art, photography, fashion - its all just a matter of opinion. Guidelines yes are useful and those age old methods we are all familiar with do come into play, they would not be around still today if somebody didn't think they were useful - but that doesn't mean you have to do it that way or you cant experiment yourself.
This does not mean you should not be aware of the rules or not have knowledge of them, thats not what I'm saying, I mean you need to know what your breaking first. Its just You just are allowed to break them!
Fashion photography is all about experimentation and some of the best and well know photographers are just that because they have stepped outside of the box and tried other things. Yes - once they have understood the rules they are stamping all over them!
Here are a few things other artists or photographers have to say on the matter:
Pro Fashion Photographer Adriana Curcio
Whomever said “rules are meant to be broken,” was on the right track. I was taught the correct way to light my subjects, and for a long time that’s what I did. After a few fortunate accidents, I realized there’s something to be said about high contrast, and dramatic lighting. Not everything needs to be lit just so, or be perfectly flattering. Bend and break the rules, and see what you find. You will surprise yourself.
http://digital-photography-school.com
Pro Fashion Photographer Jake Garn
I learned that the rule of thirds may actually be just a lazy man’s sham. That’s right, I said it… a lazy sham! On the surface the rule of thirds doesn’t really make a ton of sense, I mean why would a composition broken up into three equal parts be innately more appealing than any other random spattering in a composition?
http://jakegarn.com/
Pro Photographer Ellen Von Unworth
I think its important to know what you want. I'd rather go into the street with my camera and go click, click. For me thats more important than having the perfect light or exposure.
'Image Makers Image Takers'
Andrew Goodall Pro Photographer
In photography, you will find that rules help you in the beginning, and some rules will stay with you throughout your career. The trick is to understand when the rules don't apply, or when you should choose to ignore them. This is the type of knowledge that can't easily be taught. It comes with experience, and is what gives you individuality as a photographer.
The rule of thirds is an excellent guide for a beginner learning about composition. Photos that are taken according to the Rule Of Thirds appear balanced. They satisfy our natural sense of visual order and simply look 'right.' Unfortunately, the world is not so easily organised as the rule, so it is impossible in nature to take every photo this way. Moreover, sometimes you may decide to ignore the rule, giving more impact to the photo by shaking up the normal balance of the composition.
Knowing and following the rules will make you a good photographer. Choosing how and when to break them will make you even better.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Creative-Photography---Rules-Are-Made-to-Be-Broken&id=1486722
Pete Williams Pro Photographer
Composition in photography is far from a science, and as a result all of the 'rules' should be taken with a pinch of salt. If they don't work in your scene, ignore them; if you find a great composition that contradicts them, then go ahead and shoot it anyway. But they can often prove to be spot on, and are worth at least considering whenever you are out and about with your camera.
(image courtesy of www.gallowmere.com)
