Diagonal Method

I've been looking at QuestionableCarrot's work with "Stranger Street Shots" link and wondered on how many, if indeed any, had been composed using the Diagonal Method. link.

It looks as if the two shots of the girls at least conform to the rule with the old man also having an eye placed on a diagonal, but not the in focus eye. As far as I can see Pat does not conform at all.

Does anyone use it, does it matter?

I hadn't given it much thought. The rule of thirds is a good starting point for me but I fear there is much more to a photo than geometry.

Does anyone else feel that it becomes so widely used that when someone goes against it we can see a refreshing change?

How often am I drawn to a picture for all the wrong reasons. More importantly we should be trying to discover methods of creating images we see in our minds eye.

Discoveries such as these help us to understand generalisations but should be considered rather than obeyed.

Just sayin'

(Don't even think about it Dave or I'll hunt you down like a dog)

I'm not even goign to look up this "rule" as the more rules you know the more they steer composition even subconsciously

I see it as part of developing your own style. Just as learning great guitar players licks eventually leads to the natural development of your own style (just as those you learn from have done). It's about how you express what you've learned isn't it?

I thought it was just leaving a little space next to the head (usually the way it's pointing).

I'll call it the diagonal method next time

Never really thought about it. I know what looks right to me and I just go with this. I think some of us compose things this way subconsciously, it just sort of turns out that way.

Most of my images are 'composed on thirds', my image making mind works this way.

Regards
David