Photographic Composition

E&P Homework

Elements & Principles of Design

ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

Variety:

This picture shows variety, which is differences in the elements and principles of design in a composition. This image shows this because while they are all seeds, they are different shapes sizes and colors. 

Emphasis:

This photo encompasses a focal point, which is a piece or place that is given dominant attention and attracts the eye first. The heart is on one of the rule of third lines, and is a different color that the rest of the image. The background of the photo is fuzzy but the front area where the heart is is clear. 

Horizontal Line:

The photo above shows horizontal lines. These lines run east to west, and show calmness and rest. The wood is stacked and the photo is taken so the that the creases in between the wood run perfectly from east to west. 

Repetition:

In this photo you can see the repetition of cows going through the composition. Repetition is the repeated consistency of an item or element throughout a piece. This photo, of many identical cows, shows the same basic shape and form many times over again.

Bird's eye view:

This photo shows a bird's eye view, which is the view from above looking down. This photo shows this design in order to portray the airplane and earth in a new way. You can tell that it is from above looking down simply by looking at it. 

Unity:

This photo shows unity, which is the blending of all of the elements to create a harmonious piece and composition. The mixture of the similar colors, textures, repetition, form and contrast make this a unified photo.  

Texture:

This composition shows texture, which means that it gives the appearance of how the surface would feel if you were to touch it. In the photo you can see great detail in the piece of fur, and you can tell how soft it would feel if you touched it. 

Horizon Line:

Horizon line is a big focus in this beautiful photo. The horizon line emphasizes the sky as a horizontal line that crosses the full picture. The light blue of the sky and the dark blue of the ocean are separated by the deep oranges of the horizon. 

Proportion/Scale:

This photo emphasizes the proportion of the people to the Leaning Tower of Piza. Proportion is the size of something compared to something else. The people look as if they are the same size as the Tower, but we know that in reality they are not. It is just shot in this way to play with what the eye sees.

Vertical Lines:

Vertical lines are the main element in this photo. Vertical lines are lines that run from north to south, and make the photo seem grander, or more spiritual. The various tall trees are the main vertical lines in this composition. 

Rule of Thirds:

This photo implements the rule of thirds, which is the rule where the whole image is devided into three equal vertical sections and three equal horizontal sections. The elements of the photo are then placed on the lines dividing the sections. This photo would not be as interesting if the focal point was placed in the center of the composition. Since it is on the right horizontal line, it automatically makes the image more interesting. 

Asymmetrical Balance (Informal Balance):

This photo shows informal balance, which means that it uses different objects to balance out the composition. Although the tree is the focal point, the mountains on the left side of the picture keep it correctly balanced. 

Framing:

Framing is used very well in this photo. Framing is when something directs your view to what the photographer wants the focal point to be using elements in the scene. The round sculpture directs you eye to the clouds directly in the center of the sphere. Your eye exits the circle as the last thing it looks at. 

Symmetrical Balance(Formal balance):

This photo shows symmetrical balance, or formal balance. This means that if you put a line down the middle of the photo, one side would mirror or balance the other. This photo is a good example of this. There are some differences, such as the people walking on the grass, but they are still balancing each other. 

Worm's Eye View:

Worm's eye view is used to capture this photo. The worm's eye view is taken from the ground looking up. Since it is underneath the flowers, it is not a view that would normally be shot from, and therefore makes the picture more interesting. 

Curved Lines:

This photo has multiple curved lines. The curved lines are smooth and continuous, but not straight. These lines make a photo more familiar or comforting. In this photo, the curved lines in the side of the guitar, and the hole in the center make the composition feel relaxed.

Simplicity:

The singling out of the feather from the dark surrounding makes the photo very simple. Although it is simple, it still has a lot of artistic composition. 

Leading Lines:

This photo shows leading lines, which are lines that bring the eye to another point, normally the focal point, in the image. The spaces in between the plots of flowers create lines leading up to the windmill. These pointing lines make the windmill the focal point of the shot. 

Diagonal Lines:

This photo leads you up the mountain, and has clear direction. This is brought to the picture because of the diagonal lines. The diagonal lines are the lines that run on a slant. The diagonal line in this photo is the side of the mountain.

Movement/Rhythm:

This photo shows movement, which is showing action and creates a path for the viewers eye to take throughout the composition. The eye slides back and forth across the image looking at the jumping people. The move your eye moves around, the more interesting it is to look at, and the movement creates this.