Visual Elements in Photography An Introduction to

Good Composition is a key element of photographs These are like a set of ‘tools or ingredients’ that can be used to construct a great image. The key is to remember that a photographer rarely uses all of these ‘ingredients’ of composition in making an image. Here are 10 which you should consider when setting up a shot. Visual Elements in Photography

1. PATTERN Visual Elements in Photography There are patterns all around us, if only we learn to see them. Emphasizing and highlighting these patterns can lead to striking shots – as can highlighting When patterns are broken

2. SYMMETRY Visual Elements in Photography Depending upon the scene – symmetry can be something to go for – or to completely avoid. A symmetrical shot with strong composition can lead to a striking image – but without a point of interest – it can be a little unpredictable. Experiment with both in the shoot to see what works best.

3. TEXTURE Visual Elements in Photography Image is a Two Dimensional thing, yet with clever use of ‘texture’ they can come alive and almost become Three Dimensional Texture particularly comes in to play when light hits objects at interesting angles

4. DEPTH OF FIELD Visual Elements in Photography The Depth of Field that you select when taking an image will drastically impact the composition of an image. Using a Shallow Depth of Field - Emphasizes the focus on a particular subject, can isolate it from its background or foreground

5. LINES Visual Elements in Photography Lines can be powerful elements in an image. They have the power to draw the eye to a key focal point in a shot and will impact the ‘feel’ of it. Diagonal, Horizontal, Vertical and Converging lines all have impact, and should be spotted whilst framing the shot, and used to strengthen it!

6. FRAMING Visual Elements in Photography Most of us use ‘frames’ to display our images when we display them at home, however ‘framing’ can be used within the composition of a shot to help you highlight your main point of interest in the image and/or put it in context to give the image ‘depth’.

7. PERSPECTIVE Visual Elements in Photography The perspective that a shot is taken from is another element that can have a big impact on an image. Shooting up high, looking down or shooting from below at the subject, not only impacts the ‘look’ of the image but also impacts the ‘story’ of an image.

8. SPACE Visual Elements in Photography There can be a fine line between filling your frame with your subject and also giving your subject space to breath. Either technique can be effective – so experiement with moving in close and personal, and moving out to capture a subject in its context. Sometimes it is what you leave out of an image that makes it special.

9. BALANCE Visual Elements in Photography The positioning with the Elements in a frame can leave an image feeling balanced or unbalanced. Too many points of interest in one section of the image can leave it feeling too ‘heavy’ or complicated in that section of the shot and other parts feeling ‘empty’

10. COLOUR Visual Elements in Photography The Colours in an image and they are arranged can make or break a shot. Bright colours can add vibrancy, energy, interest – however in the wrong positions they can also distract viewers of an image away from focal points. Colours also greatly impact ‘mood’. Blues and Greens have a calming, soothing impact, Reds and Yellows can convey vibrancy and energy etc.