Funny stated the way it was I thought it was simple Trolling....
Well put, simple logical steps
I can't agree with you.
Like learning most things in life there are basics to learn. Learning the basics has been proven to make you better at what ever it is you are doing.
For instance, learn a musical instrument you need to learn the scale, you need to learn basic tunes like 3 blind mice and bells of St Clemente etc.
learning to cook you will start by making bread, cup cakes and Yorkshire puds.
Learning to race cars/motorbikes you will need to know how to drive slowly first under control.
It's the same with photography. To be good at it it's beneficial to learn basics. After they have been learnt and are second nature you can work on that and improve your craft and possibly break the rules but with meaning.
If you know what it is that makes a photo good you can see the photo before you have even got your camera out of the bag. If you don't know the basics then you are less likely to appreciate the more technical aspects.
Having said that, a good photo is one that the viewer likes regardless how it was taken, what it was taken, who took it and how it was composed.
You could always post a few of your great photos here for us all to see that didn't follow any rules (not having a dig, just think it would be helpful to show what you meant by your post).
Here is one of mine that breaks the rules.
The horizon is too low down to be on the lower thirds line, the people are almost dead centre and so is the change in the clouds, but I like it...
/proxy.php?image=https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qM_avfWy5w0/U430q_1D0-I/AAAAAAAAAC8/u8TmFtRnkmE/w1998-h1332-no/Wind%2BFarm%2BMatt%2BSimpson.jpg&hash=3c9dddd12bf49a656f6202b2e724f535
I have updated a few photos and missing links.
Might try and revisit this to include tips 3.
Ok dunno how I ended up on this page. Darn kids! Nice photo though @Thug
I like that picture too Thug.
Just bought my first DSLR & I appreciate this thread, some cool pointers data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7
Will take them on board this weekend //static.avforums.com/styles/avf/smilies/clap.gif
Don't forget to post your results here.
Playing about with family pet, Bullseye the rabbit data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7
& took some pics, this is my fave. https://www.avforums.com/attachments/image-jpeg.666147/