from LEARNING TO SEE CREATIVELY by BRYAN PETERSON ELEMENTS OF DESIGN

Too many points of interest often result in confusion

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Elements of Design Line Shape Form Texture Pattern Color Every photo has at least one element and each often has symbolic value, especially line, shape and color

Line Can symbolize wisdom or experience Jagged line can symbolize fear Also energy and power

Symbolism of line direction Horizontal – tranquility, stability Vertical – pride, dignity Diagonal – movement, speed

Lines have visual weight Thick lines – greater strength than thin

Curvilinear Lines Signify  Motion  Growth  Meandering direction  Restfulness or restlessness

Line

Shape Is a closed line Is the principal element of identification

Shapes Squares and rectangles – stability, man-made world Triangles – strength, feelings of permanence, endurance, weight Inverted triangles – instability, lightness, impermanence

Shapes (cont) S shapes – subtle motion, growth, restfulness  Symbolize – water, plant growth, music Circle – sun, moon, earth, planets  Evokes feelings of completion, universality, wholeness, warmth

Photographing Shapes Lighting  Back lit, creates silhouette  Front lit, head on  Strong contrast with surroundings Best time  Hour before/after sunrise  Hour before/after sunset

Shapes

Form A shape that is side lit Contrast between light and dark areas gives a shape its form Forms are 3 dimensional, shapes are 2 dimensional

Types of Forms Hard-edged, man made  Squared, rectangular, circular, triangular  Are aggressive, decisive, rigid Natural, organic  Round, curving, meandering  Are quieter, lighter, free flowing

Photographing Forms Sunny OK but usually side lit to see shadows

Form

Texture Types of texture  Smooth  Soft  Silky  Rough  Coarse  Jagged

Texture Invites a high degree of viewer response Feelings of texture evoke memories and strong emotions

Textures

Pattern Lines, shapes, forms or textures repeated at regular intervals Both man-made and natural Attracted to patterns because the order they present is comforting

Photographing Patterns To create, fill the frame Use macro or telephoto lens

Patterns

Color Adds a range of emotional tones  Passive to aggressive  Cheerful to mysterious

Color - Symbol and Meaning Red – most advancing color, aggression Blue – most recessive, coolest tone Green – symbol of fertility, new beginnings, environment Yellow – cheerful, cowardly Orange – cheerful, warmth Purple – symbol of royalty White – pureness Black – mystery, emptiness, death

Color