01/11/2017
The rule of thirds is a basic guiding principle many artists use to quickly compose their images. Two pairs of evenly-spaced lines -- one pair vertical, the other horizontal -- are superimposed over the image, with important compositional elements placed at the intersections.
For some photographers, the rule of thirds is more akin to a dogma instead of a guideline, being adhered to as much as possible. Indeed, this simple technique can make many a shot more interesting, but only to the extent its use reflects the mindfulness of the photographer to compose. Other grids such as Root 4, more carefully consider the symmetry of the image, which is a weakness when using rule of thirds. Simply put: it's more important to visualize which grid works best for your image instead of believing a single method of composition is ideal for all circumstances.
In the case of this image of the Four Seasons Golf Center (which was just recently re-erected after vandals slashed and deflated the dome), using the rule of thirds grid actually worked best at keeping the symmetry balanced. The dome occupies the middle third, with vertical shadows creating boundaries around the center 'box' of the image. Both background and foreground are clearly established to provide context, vignetted to draw attention away from the edges. The door provides a focal point with strong center vertical lines guiding our attention to the center.
Slated to be demolished in February 2017, the golf center will close to make room for civic development in the Columbus suburb of Whitehall. Soon, the impressive sight of this structure will disappear from the Broad Street corridor. Vanishing icons of local culture have recently become the norm throughout Ohio real estate as increased credit spending drives investment capital aimed at modernizing Rust Belt aesthetics. These measures may put many to work, briefly invigorating the local economy but ultimately reflect the will of the politicians and developers before locals and neighbors. The color scheme filled with green and gray hues represent this clash of interests. Light desaturation enhances the colors to this effect. The white balance has been cooled, reinforcing the winter surroundings which would suggest less-manicured grass than what we see thriving amidst the seasonally warm temperature (~50 degrees).
A single point of light illuminates the scene, as if the dome were a bust, and the spotlight positioned to cast a half-face shadow. The dome itself has a human-like quality in the symmetry of its own curvature being barely "off" across its horizontal plane. An unknown lens artifact is visible at the left horizon which almost looks celestial in origin, increasing the surrealness of the image and complementing the color story of gray's controlled conformity, and green's growth (or envy).
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