A Lesson in Breaking the Rules, thanks to Sebastião Salgado

I’m back in Barcelona for a few days before Christmas, not for the tapas or the Gaudi buildings (though those are brilliant too), but to see Sebastião Salgado’s Amazônia exhibition.

For years, Salgado has been one of my photographic heroes. His work has this something that feels powerful – his images are more than just pictures. 

Let me tell you, this exhibition is something else. The way Salgado captures the Amazon isn’t just about beauty – it’s like he’s capturing not just how it looks, but what it feels like.

His monochrome images of the rainforest feel alive, combined with an audio track, so you can hear the rustle of leaves or the distant calls of wildlife.

Then, in the centre of the room, there are his portraits of the Indigenous communities – no need to say this was the real highlight for me – his images felt so intimate.

I’ve admired Salgado for as long as I’ve been holding a camera, but as I stood there, something hit me: none of his photos follow the so-called rules of photography – especially not the rule of thirds.

You know the one, right? It’s one of the first things you learn when you pick up a camera. Even now, many photography course swear by it.

But here’s Salgado, this absolute master,

completely ignoring it.

Salgado’s subjects often sit smack in the centre of the frame, or they’re positioned in ways that feel… unorthodox. Yet somehow, they still feel perfectly balanced. They don’t rely on some formula – they draw you in because they feel right.

That’s when I realised something. Salgado doesn’t follow rules, he follows instinct. His photos are built on emotion, on the flow of light and shadow. He composes for the story, not a grid.

Salgado’s work is an important reminder that the most powerful images aren’t always perfect by technical standards – they’re perfect because they feel alive.

When we start learning photography, we hold onto these rules like they are sacred, but it’s important to remember that they’re just a starting point. The real magic happens when you trust yourself enough to break them.

So here’s a little nudge from me to you. The next time you’re out with your camera (or even your phone), don’t overthink it. Forget the grid, forget the rules, and just shoot what feels right. See the light, the moment and the story. 

Until next time, keep breaking the rules.

Cheers,

Tom

ps If you want to join me in Barcelona on a weekend mini tour, check out the link – there are still a  few places left.