Photographic composition

How do i design a photograph?

Emphasis
     Emphasis is a principle of art which occurs any time an element of a piece is given dominance by the artist. In other words, the artist makes part of the work stand out, in order to draw the viewer's eye there first.

Horizontal Lines
     Horizontal lines are one of the most common composition tools available, and they provide us with a feeling of stability which strengthens our composition.




Repetition/ Pattern
      Creating your pictures around repeating elements or patterns provides picture unity and structure. Pattern repetition creates rhythm that the eyes enjoy following. When lines, shapes, and colors within a picture occur in an orderly way, they create patterns that often enhance the attractiveness of photographs

Bird's Eye View
     A bird's-eye view is an image gained when the position of the observer is significantly higher than that of the subject. Looking down upon a subject can be achieved in a number of ways and may serve several different purposes.

Vertical Line

     Vertical lines can project either a mood of stability or peace. When projecting a mood of stability, they often function similarly to horizontal lines. This can convey an implication of substance or permanence. Proper use of vertical lines can also impart an impression of peace and tranquility.

 

Texture

      Texture photography forces us to look at the world in a different way. It makes the everyday beautiful and the boring profound. Macro lenses allow us to look closer than we ever have before and, wide angle shots help up step back and take it all in.

Symmetrical Balance

     One side balances the other side. it appears a mirror, seperated by a vertical line.

Unity

     A principle of art, unity occurs when all of the elements of a piece combine to make a balanced, harmonious, complete whole. Unity is another of those hard-to-describe art terms but, when it's present, your eye and brain are pleased to see it.

Rule of Thirds

      In the rule of thirds, photos are divided into thirds with two imaginary lines vertically and two lines horizontally making three columns, three rows, and nine sections in the images. The human eye naturally gravitates to intersection points that occur when an image is split into thirds.

    

Diagonal Lines

     Diagonals are the most dynamic. You can use them to create a strong impression of movement or you can use them to create a tremendous sense of depth.

Variety

     To use variety is to combine different elements (differences in shape, color, line, textuture...) into one composition, for example, a donut box contains a variety of colors. A coin purse contains variety in size; an electrical outlet has a variety of shapes. Variety adds interest, but too much can cause chaos/confusion.

Simplicity

     Singling out an item from their surroundings.

Asymmetric Balance

     Used to describe one aspect of the principles of design known as balance, asymmetrical design is typically off-center or created with an odd or mismatched number of disparate elements. When the left and right sides of the design are not the same but have balance.

 

Movement/ Rhythm

     Shoes action and the path of the viewer's eyes on the artwork.

Leading Lines

     Lines that lead the eye to other points in the image or out of the image.

 

Proportion Scale

      Proportion refers to the correction depiction of the all the parts related to each other in a shape/form within a realistic painting or drawing.  Proportion lends a sense of balance and harmony to a piece of artwork.  One may decide to distort the proportions within an artwork to create a certain effect on the viewer. 

 Horizon Line

     Used to emphasize the sky or ground based on the placement of the horizontal line where the ground meets the sky.

Framing
     Direct viewer's attention to what is important using objects or elements existing in the scene.

Worm's Eye View

     View from below looking up (opposite of bird's eye view)


Curved Lines
     Lines that differ from straight lines, being horizontal or vertical. It is to be comforting, familiar, and relaxing.