Photographic Composition

Photo Composition

-Emphasis- elements in a piece that are given dominance or attract attention

-This photo shows emphasis because it is focused on the figure to make it stand out.

-Horizontal Lines- lines that run east and west (rest, calm, tranquility)

-This photo shows horizontal lines because the lines run east and west.







-Bird's Eye View- view from above looking down

-This photo is an example of bird's eye view because it is at an extreme angle looking down.

-Vertical Lines- lines that run north and south (grandness and spirituality)
-This is an example of vertical lines because the lines run north and south.

-Texture- the appearance and feel of a surface

-This is an example of texture because you can see the feel of the elephant's skin.

-Symmetrical Balance- one side balances or mirrors the other (separated by a vertical line)

-This is an example of symmetrical balance because the left and right side of the photo are the same or almost the same.

-Unity- all elements of a piece work together to produce a balanced, harmonious, complete whole

-This is an example of unity because everything in the photo is working together to make it a whole.

-Variety- differences in elements and principles of design that give interest to a composition (all the same but different)

-This is an example of variety because they are all flowers but they are all different colors.

-Simplicity- singling out an item(s) from their surroundings

-This is an example of simplicity because it is focused on the bird and there is nothing else in the photo except for the bird and the thing it is sitting on.

-Asymmetrical Balance- different objects balance each other out on the page

-This is an example of asymmetrical balance because both sides are not the same.

-Movement/Rhythm- shows action and the path of the viewer's through the artwork

-This is an example of movement and rhythm because the girl's legs are bent which shows movement.

-Leading lines- lines that lead the eye to other points in or out of the image

-This is an example of leading lines because your eyes are lead to the end of tunnel by the lines.

-Proportion/Scale- the relative size of one object in relation to another (10:1)

-This is an example of proportion/scale because the shoes are bigger than the people, when in reality they are not.



-Worm's Eye View-view from below looking up

-This is an example of worm's eye view because it is at an extreme angle looking up from below.

-Framing-directs viewer's attention to what it important using objects or elements existing in the scene

-This is an example of framing because the window is framing the subject of the picture.

-Curved lines-lines that deviate from straightness in a smooth, continuous fashion (comfort, safety, familiarity, relaxation)

-This is an example of curved lines because it has curved lines in it and it creates comfort.













-Horizon line- used to emphasize the sky or ground based on the placement of horizontal line where ground meets sky (2/3 sky or ground).

-This is an example of horizon line because the horizon line is emphasizing the sky and it has 2/3 sky.