1. Composition in Photography 1

3. An example What did the photographer mean with this photo ? What language did it use ? Does he seem sympathetic with the social system he decided to describe ? Do you feel sympathetic with the social system described in the photo?

4. Another Example

5. Another one...

6. And a last one..

7. What is composition for ? “Reality” Photographer Photo Viewer AB

8. Design Principles Strength: the ability to attract the viewer’s attention. Clarity: the ability to maintain the viewer’s attention.

9. Design Elements Eye flowElements in the scene that guide the viewer’s eye through the entire frame. Dominant element Usually there is one main subject to the image. The subject may be either a single object, or a relationship. SimplicityOnly what is essential to the scene is included in the final image. BalanceIt may be symmetric or asymmetric, subtle or obvious.

10. Eye flow and perception It is important to understand how we see to define and use a graphical language. “Seeing” something is an on-going process that produces a “perception” from a 4 dimensional “reality”. When we see we continuously make decisions on the different relevance of the various subjects of a scene. Life (and perception) is made of priorities.

11. Eye movements 1

12. Eye movements 2

13. Eye movements 3

14. Priorities or Weights FeatureHigh PriorityLow Priority SizeBigSmall ColourBright coloursDim colours Colour, B&W ColourBlack and White PositionNear centre or focus pointsFar from centre or focus points FocusIn focusOut of focus MeaningClose to humansDistant from humans

15. Dominant Element

20. Presence or Absence ?

21. Simplicity

25. Balance

27. Balance - Examples

29. Application of design elements Lines Shapes Patterns Textures Color (Tone)

30. Lines Horizontal -> Quietness Vertical -> Power Diagonal->Dynamism Curve-> Smoothness and sensuality There are explicit and implicit lines Movement Line of sight If a line is cut, the effect on the viewer is very different.

31. Amputation of a line

32. Lines - Examples Light Movement Sight

33. Horizontal Lines Horizontal lines tend to indicate a sense of homeostasis (lack of change). Horizontal lines should be used when a photographer wants to impart a sentiment of timelessness or lack of change to an image. In addition, they can serve to provide a contrast with more dynamic parts of an image. Examples can be found in buildings, horizons, and fallen objects (e.g. trees).

34. Horizontal Lines

35. Vertical Lines Vertical lines project more “power” than horizontal lines Vertical lines can project a mood of strength, stability or peace. When projecting a mood of stability, they often function similarly to horizontal lines. This can convey an implication of substance or permanence.

36. Vertical Lines

38. Diagonal Lines Diagonal lines can convey a sense of action or make an image more dynamic. The viewer’s eyes tend to travel back and forth along diagonals. Diagonal lines can be formed, not only of objects such as streets or sidewalks, but also of colour. For instance, a diagonal section of colour can add drama to a flower image.

39. Diagonal Lines

41. Jagged Lines Jagged and irregular lines often impart a sense of unease, tension, or fear to the viewer of the image. Heavy use of jagged and irregular lines can cause a negative feeling in the viewer (which may be exactly what the photographer intended). Therefore, they are the tools of choice for the photographer who wants to create a feeling of disquiet or agitation in the viewer.

42. Jagged Lines

43. Curved Lines A smooth, curving line invites a graceful and free-flowing feeling. Contours help to soften the image, and create more of a journey for the eye as the curve slows its movement.

44. Curved Lines

45. S-curved lines This line goes further than just a plain curved line. It is called the Line of Beauty. It is Elastic, Variable and combines Charm and Strength. It has Perfect Grace and Perfect Balance.

46. S-curved lines

47. Lines - Examples

55. Always remember... Rules are made to be broken !

56. References PhotoInf mail page Composition Guidelines Introduction to Composition Basic Photographic Techniques Examples of Composition Composition for Landscapes Composition Theory