composition: beyond the obvious

CompositionBeyond the Obvious

Today’s Principles...•Contrast

• Balance

•Depth

• Leading Lines

• Proximity

•Common Fate

Contrast

ColorHue: Position on the color wheel. More distance = more contrast.Value: Relative lightness or darknessSaturation and Intensity: Purity of a hue

Hueexample

Valueexample

Saturationexample

OrientationAn object’s orientation relative to other elements in the composition can create meaning by focusing attention on anomaly.

TextureShifts in tactile quality or pattern can create focal points.

ShapeWe often ascribe personality, meaning, or emotion to different shapes.Contrasts of shape engage both our ability to notice form and our cognitive associations with those configurations.

Balance

ValueThe eye is attracted to contrast, so a small area of high contrast will balance a larger area of low contrast.

ShapeA small complicated shape can balance a large simple shape. Also, a large uncluttered area can balance a small busy area containing many shapes.

SymmetricalBoth sides are essentially mirrored. Sometimes called formal balance.

AsymmetricalGenerally more interesting than symmetrically balanced images. More casual, dynamic, and relaxed.

Absence of balance can create tension.

Depth

DepthThe illusion of distance or a third dimension. This can be achieved through perspective or overlapping objects.

Proximity

ProximityElements that are close together are perceived to be more related than elements that are farther apart.

Photo © 2013 Osman Orsal

Lines

LinesLines lead the viewer into and around the scene. Leading lines direct the viewer towards a focal point in the image. Lines can also be symbolic, depending on their orientation and direction.

Vertical LinesTall and balanced, solid, and firm. They symbolize strength, power, and stability.

Horizontal LinesPeaceful and static, the horizontal line suggests stability, permanence, and tranquility.

Diagonal LinesDiagonal lines are active and dynamic, creating tension and bringing to mind action and motion.

Curved LinesLike diagonal lines, curved lines suggest motion - but slower motion. The greater the curve, the more dramatic the tension.

Common Fate

Common FateElements that move in the same direction are perceived to be more related than elements that move in different directions or are stationary.

Further Reading...

•http://www.goshen.edu/art/ed/Compose.htm

•http://www.siggraph.org/education/materials/HyperGraph/design/composition/balance_in_composition.htm

•http://www.artincanada.com/arttalk/compositionglossary.html

•http://photoinf.com/General/NAVY/Photographic_composition_Balance.htm

...and some books

(that I used)

•Composition Photo Workshop - Bruce Fier

•Universal Principles of Design - William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, Jill Butler

•The Information Design Handbook - Jenn + Ken Visocky O’Grady