Visual Composition

By Desmond Baron

LinesLines are powerful pieces of art, they are used to draw the eye into predisposed patterns. They are important tools that when used properly, force the viewer to look where the artist wants them to, allowing the picture to be interpreted properly.

Both photographs were found by searching lines photography.

Photo 1: http://www.takegreatpictures.com/app/webroot/content/2010_images/2007/07/31/lines_photography_1.jpg

Photo2: http://blog.dreamlabsolutions.com/image.axd?picture=2008%2F10%2Frailway.jpg

2D Shapes

A major building block to creating strong artwork, basic 2D shapes are essential to the completion of art. Simple in nature, when used properly they can increase the complexity of a piece.

Photo 1 was found by searching trianglePhoto 1: http://www.clker.com/inc/svgedit/svg-editor.html?paramurl=/inc/clean.html?id=140958Photo 2 was found by searching circlePhoto 2: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ECRyvFFkDSU/UMAuiCeOJZI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/ssrsa-1BX9U/s1600/circle.png

3D Form

Slightly more complex, 3D shapes uses another dimension to assert itself as a form of art. Using this extra dimension it is possible to capture a more appealing image.

Photo 1 was found by searching cube photographyPhoto 1: http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/prill/prill1110/prill111006129/11014815-studio-photography-of-a-light-brown-wooden-cube-isolated-on-white-with-shadow.jpgPhoto 2 was found by searching sphere photographyPhoto 2: http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumblarge_243/1204452642yh2BSZ.jpg

ColourColour is used to contrast the image and give off a different appeal. It is used in many pieces of photography and with it comes a powerful image.

Both photos were found by searching colour photographyPhoto 1: http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/old/colour.jpgPhoto 2: http://cdnimg.visualizeus.com/thumbs/4a/67/architecture,colour,photography-4a67eb19e4b1feb6ae02477bc41ee45c_h.jpg

TextureTexture is the palpable aspect of photography that jumps out of the picture. It is possible to feel it with your eyes, giving you the perception that you can actually visualize how it would respond to your touch.

Both photos were found by searching texture photographyPhoto 1: http://www.photopoly.net/wp-content/uploads/29082010/7.jpgPhoto 2: http://photographylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/20090820-Yellowstone-National-Park-137.jpg

Depth

Depth in photography gives the viewer the feeling that the picture is not only a still frame, but that they can see through it as if it is in front of their eyes.

Both photos were found by searching depth photographyPhotos 1: http://digitalshotsguide.com/images/pinhole-camera-picture-of-field.jpgPhotos 2: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfGcfjzOe58/TY9xUor6FWI/AAAAAAAAAB8/sgEGVNOYpDk/s1600/Shallow+1.jpg

LightLight is used in photography to highlight select areas while subjugating others to live in the background. This technique casts shadows on an area that will protrude more when dark, and lead to greater contrast.

Both photos were found by searching light photographyPhoto 1: http://webdesignledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/lighting_photography_25.jpgPhoto 2: http://www.photosfan.com/images/light-photography1.jpg

Direction Motion is difficult to capture, but through the use of techniques like the ones shown it is possible to make an image seem as if it is moving.

Both photographs were found by searching motion photographyPhoto 1: http://www.guidetofilmphotography.com/photos/motion-photo-panning.jpgPhoto 2: http://people.rit.edu/andpph/photofile-misc/strobe-motion-ta-08.jpg

Mass

It is impossible to capture weight through a still frame, but by putting an emphasis on select spaces in the picture, it can be done to a degree.

Both photos were found by searching visual weight in photographyPhoto 1: http://www.betterphoto.com/uploads/processed/0824/0806100500221monday_visual_weight_size_and_.jpghttp://idealfstop.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/05/09/manitofogsmall.jpg

ToneSimilar to lighting, the black and white shades contrast each other, giving focus to the important areas of the photo.

Both photos were found by searching black and white photographyPhoto 1: http://media.smashingmagazine.com/images/black-white-photography/61.jpgPhoto 2: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kku9FaKzx1o/UNBBp5dPFqI/AAAAAAAAEhY/Ps4H3hmz4VU/s1600/Eiffel-tower-paris-black-and-white-photos-14.jpg

Value

Value in photography measures how dark or light an image is. By layering this affect it can give the impression of a more complex photo.

Both photos were found by searching value of colour in photographyPhoto 1: http://www.bz1-img.com/images_customers/06/21/9473722_78767_full.jpgPhoto 2: http://www.ozarks.edu/includes/images/news/RedCedarForestMontana.JPG

Positive and Negative SpacePositive and Negative space is the ultimate in forcing the eye to focus on an area specified by the photographer. By highlighting these areas the viewer is able to distinguish what the photographer intends on showing.

Both photos were found by searching positive and negative space in photographyPhoto 1: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/2834342023_bde8a32d90.jpgPhoto 2: http://tutorial9.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2008/10/negative-space-balance.jpg

BalanceBalance is used to keep images symmetrical, adding to the overall feel of the image. Although simple, it creates a deeper photo.

Both photos were found by searching balance photographyPhoto 1: http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/images/balance.jpgPhoto 2: http://www.artdoxa.com/files/images/artworks/0032/3599/26d6a52b8801cd408225fbb4326736b7.jpg

Emphasis

Often times, the only way to distinguish what is important and what is not is to use emphasis. By emphasizing a part of the photo, the key element of the image can be determined.

Both photos were found by searching emphasis photographyPhoto 1: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_-5KxrRDV2OI/TA2UKsh5-BI/AAAAAAAAALM/v015XtfEkMM/s1600/WEB_2535.jpgPhoto 2: http://ursispaltenstein.ch/blog/images/uploads_img/bob_jensen_photography_1.jpg

Proportion

By manipulating the relationship between objects in an image, it is possible to put it out of proportion. This creates art where it otherwise wouldn’t be.

Both photos were found by searching proportion photographyPhoto 1: http://gallery.photo.net/photo/4015162-lg.jpgPhoto 2: http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/Greece/Attica/Attiki/Athens/photo819110.htm

RepetitionWhen our minds are so used to repetition, it can become difficult to comprehend viewing something that isn’t so predictable. In photography, repetition can create pattern that is very visually appealing.

Both photos were found by searching repetition in photographyPhoto 1: http://imgsrv.worldstart.com/ct-images/javalit_repitition3.jpgPhoto 2: http://www.sheamusburns.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/picket_fence_perspective.jpg

Unity

By relating every aspect of an image, it unifies and creates a bigger and better idea. This technique allows many small pieces to create a strong and powerful picture.

Both photos were found by searching unity in photographyPhoto 1: http://gallery.photo.net/photo/9598572-md.jpgPhoto 1: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/25/98361214_4aba24f820.jpg

Contrast

By measuring two objects against each other, you create contrast. Contrast allows a photographer to convey what he believes in important.

Both photos were found by searching contrast photographyPhoto 1: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/25/98361214_4aba24f820.jpgPhoto 2: http://img.bhs4.com/27/D/27D987CDEC48492F5EFC2A93CDA5E333DC73F696_large.jpg

HarmonyTo create beauty in a photo, it is necessary for all of the elements to live together peacefully. This is called harmony.

Both photos were found by searching harmony photographyPhoto 1: http://cache.desktopnexus.com/thumbnails/207671-bigthumbnail.jpgPhoto 2:http://justcreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/photography/Color_Harmony_by_h4nd.jpg

Proximity

Proximity creates a feeling of segregation between the important and unimportant elements. By using this it draws a distinct line for the pieces to follow.

Both photos were found by searching proximity photographyPhoto 1: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8__qPQbxn8/Tlh-wHUlGjI/AAAAAAAAASs/cO5REq5jE30/s1600/macro_photography_23.jpgPhoto 2: http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/5211017/il_fullxfull.57172478.jpg

VarietyVariety is what makes an image interesting. Variety is needed to keep the viewer from being bored with what he is seeing. It is necessary to combine this with other techniques to create the best possible image.Both photos were found by

searching variety photographyPhoto 1: http://www.scantech7.com/images/Infrared%20Photo%20Abandoned%20Home%20800%20wide.jpgPhoto 2: http://www.pxleyes.com/images/contests/favorite-quotes/fullsize/Variety-is-the-spice-of-life-4cb5d6f65176b.jpg