Photographic Compostion Video

Elements & Principles of Photography

By Elena Caruso

E&P Homework

Photography as Art

Emphasis- A forceful quality or exaggeration

Ex:

This photo represents emphasis, because the red flower contrasts to the grey background.

Horizontal Lines- Lines running left to right

Ex:

 

This photo represents horizontal lines, because the bricks have strong lines going from left to right.

Repetition/Pattern-  The act or process of repeating or being repeated

Ex:

                                                                        

This photo represents repetition/pattern because the chairs are all aligned the same way, and they are all the same type.

Bird's Eye View- An elevated view of an object from above

Ex:           

This photo represents bird's eye view, because it is a view looking down on Toronto  

Vertical Lines- Lines running top to bottom

Ex:                                                                  

 

This photo represents vertical lines, because the bamboo is running north to south

Texture- The way an object feels or looks

Ex:                 

                 

This photo represents texture, because when you look at the rope you can sense that it is rough

Symmetrical Balance- Two sides that mirror each other and focus on the middle of the photo

Ex:

 

This photo represents symmetrical balance, because the trees are equivalent on both sides of the picture, and it points to the middle

Unity- All objects in the photo are almost the same, and they work together to create harmony

Ex:

This photo represents unity, because the kids are not all the same, but they look similar and are doing the same thing

Rule of Thirds- The photo is split into 9 equal parts, with 4 points of emphasis (works in every photo)

Ex:

 

This photo represents the rule of thirds, because the picture of the baby is split up into 9 parts, with the points of emphasis included

Diagonal Lines- Lines running across the page, corner to corner

Ex:

 

This photo represents diagonal lines, because the picture of the car makes your eye move from corner to corner

 

Variety- Many objects in one place that are the same, yet different (gives interest to the composition)

 

Ex:

 

 

This photo represents variety, because although the objects are all different colors, they are all skittles.

 

Simplicity- Making one object the main focus, and separating it from its surrounding giving it strong emphasis

 

Ex:

 

This photo represents simplicity, because the main focus of the picture is the kayak, and there is a simple background

 

Asymmetrical Balance- A photo with objects on both sides, but maintaining an informal balance

 

Ex:

This photo represents asymmetrical balance, because there are chess pieces on both sides of the picture, but the informal balance makes your eyes move around

 

Movement & Rhythm- The photo makes your eyes bounce around due to the action being shown through it

 

Ex:

 

This photo represents movement & rhythm, because the actions from the divers make your eyes bounce around

 

Leading Lines- Lines formed in the picture that lead to points of emphasis

 

Ex:

 

This photo represents leading lines, because all of the rows of flowers lead to the windmill, which is the strongest point of emphasis

 

Proportion/Scale- Comparing one objects size to another (10:1 is ideal)

 

Ex:

This photo represents proportion/scale, because the clothespin is much larger when being compared to the people

Horizon Line- Line where the ground meets the sky, set on a visual 3rd

Ex:

This photo represents horizon line, because you can see that the sky meets the ocean where the darkest shade of blue is

Framing- Using objects in a photo to enclose a space, in order to direct attention to a certain area

Ex:

 

This photo represents framing, because the hole in the tree is used as a frame for the red trees in the background

 

Worm's Eye- Looking up at something from an angle below (a drastic angle)

 

Ex:

 

 

This photo represents worm's eye, because it is a view of something below looking up at the flowers

 

Curved Lines- Lines that bend in a continuous pattern

 

Ex:



 

This photo represents curved lines, because the plants are all curved in the same direction and follow the same pattern