Photo Composition

Emphasis:

Definition: 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.

This is an example of Emphasis because the astronaut is the first thing your eyes are drawn to. It takes all of your attention.


Horizontal Lines:

Definition:  a constructive line, either drawn or imagined, which passes through the point of sight, and is the chief line in the projection upon which all verticals are fixed, and upon which all vanishing points are found.

This is an example of horizontal lines because when you look at the the picture you can see the horizontal lines right on the picture. It takes you a horizontal direction with your eyes.

Repetition/ Pattern:

Definition: Repeating visual elements such as line, color, shape, texture, value or image tends to unify the total effect of a work of art as well as create rhythm. Repetition can take the form of an exact duplication (pattern), a near duplication, or duplication with variety.


This is an example of repetition/pattern because it has the same green and blue colors all throughout the image. It also has more than one of the same object.


Birds Eye View:



Definition: an image gained when the position of the observer is significantly higher than that of the subject.

This is an example of birds eye view because its directly above the airplane and ground, looking completely down.

Vertical Lines: 

Definition: positioned up and down rather than from side to side : going straight up


This is an example of vertical lines because the direction your eyes go is up and down because of the lines found on the fence.

Texture:

Definition: the visual and especially tactile quality of a surface

This is an example of texture because you can see what the leaf would feel like if you were able to physically touch it. 

Symmetrical Balance: 

Definition:  perfectly centered compositions or those with mirror images. In a design with only two elements they would be almost identical or have nearly the same visual mass.

This is an example of symmetrical balance because it is the same on both sides.


Unity:

Definition: 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.

This is an example of of unity because the colors balance out.


Rule of Thirds: 

Definition: 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. Important compositional elements and leading lines are placed on or near the imaginary lines and where the lines intersect.

This is an example of Rule of Thirds because it is separated into 9 parts.

Diagonal Lines:

Definition: lines that lead you towards a slanted direction

This is an example of vertical lines because the lines are all going the same direction and its leading your eyes in that direction.

Variety:

Definition: refers to a way of combining elements of art in involved ways to achieve intricate and complex relationships

This is an example of variety because there is a lot of different fruit all throughout the composition.

Simplicity:

Definition: The simplicity rule directs that you should keep the items in your photo relatively simple. If your main subject is close to the lens, then your background should be very simple in order to avoid distractions. Another good idea is to avoid objects or lines that lead the eye away from your main subject.


This is an example of simplicity because it completely singles out the seagull from its surroundings.

Asymmetrical:

Definition: off-center or created with an odd or mismatched number of disparate elements

This is an example of asymmetrical balance because if you split the picture in half, both sides are different.

Movement/Rhythm:

Definition:  the path the viewer’s eye takes through the artwork, often to a focal area. It can be directed along lines, edges, shapes and color. Movement is closely tied to rhythm.

This is an example of movement/rhythm because the object in the picture makes your eyes move in a certain direction.

Leading Lines:

Definition: lines within an image that leads the eye to another point in the image, or occasionally, out of the image

This is an example of leading lines because the lines of the pier leads you in the direction of the ocean. 

Proportion and Scale:

Definition: Scale refers to the size of an object (a whole) in relationship to another object (another whole). In art the size relationship between an object and the human body is significant.

This is an example scale and proportion because its showing the size of the book in comparison to how big the two hands are.

Horizon Line:

Definition: horizontal line across the picture that is always at eye level - its placement determines where we seem to be looking from - a high place, or from close to the ground

This is an example of horizon line because there are horizontal lines all across the photo.

Worm's Eye View:

Definition: a perspective seen from below or from a low or inferior position

This is an example of worm's eye view because it is looking up directly from the ground upwards.

Curved Lines:

Definition: used as a popular design technique for leading the eye into the frame

This is an example of curved lines because the tracks form curved lines.


Framing:

Framing: a technique used to focus the viewer's attention upon the subject

This is an example of framing because the circle draws your attention to the building in the middle.