Principles and Elements of Design
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Photography and art are often analyzed in terms of composition. How a photo is constructed usually follows certain rules we have developed over the years that have become useful. Those terms are discussed many places on the web. You want to do some research so that you become familiar with these concepts. I have listed the key vocabulary to the right.
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Key Vocabulary: Line(s), Shape/Form, Space, Value, Texture, Color, Balance, Emphasis, Unity, Contrast, Movement, Pattern. |
Assignment 5 Part II explained with an example
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Due Friday, Oct 28, 2016: The rest of Assignment 4, Assignment 4 is to be posted on your website. It includes a photo taken by you and a 100 word written analysis explaining how the photo you have taken uses one or more elements or principles of design, how following the principles makes your photo a better photo and suggestions as to how you could improve the photo. Please include the photo.
Note: With the picture at right I used the image tool in Weebly, then lightbox was turned on. This makes the image act like a gallery image: clicking on the image produces a blown up original, not just a thumbnail. Try it!
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Sample Photo
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Sample Write Up
The photo to the left follows several principles of design. First the center of interest is placed following the rule of thirds in the lower right quadrant. And the horizon is set at one third up the picture. Center of interest is further emphasized by being the darkest element in the photo which is an example of contrast. It is nearly a silhouette; it is that dark. Thematically it also exemplifies contrast in that it is the one formerly living object in contrast to the water, land, and clouds.
The photo also draws attention to the snag by controlling the depth of field to place the tree in the middle of the in focus area. Also note the repetition of the waves, the use of color to present consistent cool, monochrome shades and, finally, the unique and interesting shape of the dead tree. The center of interest competes with the island in the background. To improve the photo I might de-emphasize the island in Photoshop by lightening it or, if I had the time to retake the shot, I would change the camera position so the island and snag have some separation. |
