Assignment 2: Elements of design

Single point dominating the composition

I feel that the life ring is distict enough, with its vivid colours, to be a point within the photograph.

Double points dominating the composition

Several points in a deliberate shape

Several points in a deliberate shape

Several points in a deliberate shape



A combinition of vertical and horizontal lines



A combinition of verticla and horizontal lines

A combination of vertical and horizontal lines

Diagonals

Curves

Curves

Distinct, even irregular, shapes



Distinct, even irregular, shapes





Distinct, even irregular, shapes




Implied triangle




Implied triangle



Rhythm

Pattern

Pattern

Project: Shapes

Real and implied triangles

Produce two sets of triangular compositions, one using ral triangles, the other implied.

Real:

• A subject which is triangular 

 

• make a triangle by perspective converging at the top

  

• make a triangle by perspective converging at the bottom

Implied:

• make a still-life arrangement of five or six objects to produce a triangle with the apex at the top

• make a still-life arrangement of five or six objects to produce a triangle with the apex at the bottom

• arrange three people in a group picture in such a way that their faces or the lines of their bodies makes a triangle

Project: Rhythm and pattern

Exercise: Rhythms and patterns

Geometric associations

Horizontal lines have a particularly strong locating effect, because we tend to see them as a natural base for things to stand on.  They tend to be seen as static, stable and heavy weight. (TAOP Pages 56/57)

Vertical lines have more sense of movement and challenge the viewer (TAOP Page 57)

Diagonal lines tend to create a sense of tension and movement and also create linear perspective (TAOP Page 56)

Curves, like diagonals, have a sense of movement and direction and in some ways can be considered a king of diagonal line.

Triangles tend to create a sensation of activity and dynamism.

Rectangle tend to be formal , enclosing, precise and static.  More that any other they appear artificial. (TAOP Page 73)

Circles A circular shape is the tightest, most compact and enclosing of any.  In other words, it imposes even more structure to the image than would a triangle of rectangle.

The associations of rectangles tend to be formal, enclosing, precise and static. More that any othe shape, they appear artificial.  Below are some photographs that make bold use of rectangles.

Shapes: Silhouettes

TAOP Page 68

Silhouettes , through back lighting through some form or another, are especially effective because they hide detail within the subject making the outline dominant.

Some retreived from my archived files.

Project: Using lines in composition

Exercise: Implied lines

The implied lines for these two images, given within the course book, are shown here.

Some of my own, archived, photographs which show implied line:

Third part; two photographs that use the following kinds of implied lines to lead the eye

• An eye line

• the extension of a line, or lines that point 

Project: Lines

Exercise: Curves

Take 4 photographs using curves to emphasise movement and direction.

Pge 62 TAOP - "Curves, like diagonals, have a sense of movement and direction, and in some ways can be considered a kind of diagonal line.  Because they pull the eye, they are useful in planned composition.  Curves have associations of smoothness, grace and elegance, and so add these feelings to an image."