1. BALANCE IN PHOTOGRAPHY
Asymmetry

2. BALANCE:
Balance is a principle of design and is the way in which the elements in visual arts are arranged to create a feeling of equilibrium in a work of art.
The three types of balance are symmetry, asymmetry, and radial.
Today we are going to look at asymmetry.

3. Asymmetrical Balance
Asymmetrical balance is a balance of parts on opposite sides of a perceived midline, giving the appearance of equal visual weight.

4. Asymmetrical Balance
The trick to asymmetrical balance is to place dissimilar sized objects on either side, but to use the center of the photo as a balance point in an asymmetrical composition.

5. Asymmetrical Balance If you have a grouping of objects on one side,
you’ll need something further out on the other side
to create balance.

6. Asymmetrical Balance
An asymmetrical composition creates a sense of movement and action, even if the subject is a stone.

7. Asymmetrical Balance vs Symmetrical Balance
Think of asymmetry as the opposite of symmetrical balance.
In symmetry you can draw a line down the middle of the photo and things would be equal on either side.
In asymmetric photos if you were to draw a line down the center things would be unequal.

8. Symmetrical Balance is correct.
Is this photo an example of Asymmetrical Balance or Symmetrical Balance?
Symmetrical Balance is correct.

9. Asymmetrical Balance is correct.
Is this photo an example of Asymmetrical Balance or Symmetrical Balance?
Asymmetrical Balance is correct.

10. Examples of Asymmetrical Balance in Photography
This photo uses asymmetry by balancing the white car in the foreground (close up) and the black car in the middle ground (in the middle) and the green hill in the background (further back in the distance).

11. Examples of Asymmetrical Balance in Photography
This photo also creates balance with the idea of a foreground, middle ground & background composition. Notice how everything is carefully placed in the photographic arrangement. The focus is on the nearest pine cone, everything else gets more blurry as is fades away in the distance. To get this type of effect use the flower or portrait mode on the camera or add a Gaussian blur in Photoshop.

12. Examples of Asymmetrical Balance in Photography
This photo uses the same technique with the dollar bill & coins. It is a great conceptual arrangement that shows the relationship between the two types of currency.

13. Examples of Asymmetrical Balance in Photography
This photo plays with the number and color of tea cups.

14. Examples of Asymmetrical Balance in Photography
How does the photographer use the idea of silhouettes in this photo?

15. Examples of Asymmetrical Balance in Photography
How does the photographer use the runner to direct the viewers eye in this action shot? Do you think the photographer cropped out the other runners?

16. Examples of Asymmetrical Balance in Photography
What are some of the concepts of the following photos? How does the photographer use asymmetrical balance to create relationships between the subjects within the photos.

17. Examples of Asymmetrical Balance in Photography

18. Examples of Asymmetrical Balance in Photography

19. Examples of Asymmetrical Balance in Photography

20. Examples of Asymmetrical Balance in Photography

21. Examples of Asymmetrical Balance in Photography

22. Your Assignment… Take 5-8 photos that demonstrate asymmetry.
Upload 5 photos
2 photos need to be in the classroom using objects in the room.
DO NOT disturb any classroom activities
Finish the images in Photoshop create at least 2 photos in black & white.
Manipulate the brightness, contrast, colors, levels, etc.
Create compositions that use unique thought and creativity
SAVE AS: Asymmetrical Balance 1, 2, 3, 4, 5