It's not all about the rules

One of the biggest decisions to make as any form of craftsman, whether you are a chef or a photographer is knowing when to break the rules. It helps of course if you know the rules to begin with of course, as otherwise you are simply making it up as you go along.

These 2 images demonstrate a complete disregard for the basics, however I think that they both work due to the power of the lighting, one disregards the light in the eyes and a complete disregard for the quality of the light.

Whilst the second image is burnt and bleached out on the models face, with no detail for print and at the same time broad lighting the figure and face which always adds weight to the subject. 

So the moral is if it feels good shoot it, but don't cry about it if it does not work!