Photo Compositon

Leading lines: Are lines within an image that leads the eye to another point in the image, or occasionally, out of the image 

 

This image portrayed leading lines because the railings on the bridge lead the eyes into the forest or trees.

 

Emphasis: (center of interest) is an area that first attracts attention in a composition. This area is more important when compared to the other objects or elements in a composition.  This can be by contrast of values, more colors, and placement in the format.

This photo represents emphasis because the flower stands out as the focal point of the photo. This is because the red color of the flower is contrasted against the grey colors in the rest of the photo. 

Horizontal lines: Horizontal lines in an image conveys a message of ‘stability’ or even ‘rest’

This photo portrays hotizontal lines because the rows of flowers create horizontal lines across the photo. This photo also appears very peaceful, a trait of hotizontal lines in photography. 
 

Repetition: Repeating visual elements such as line, color, shape, texture,or value 

This photo shows repetition because there are repeated elements throughtout the photo, similar colors, shapes, and lines.

 

Bird's eye view: A bird's-eye view is an image gained when the position of the observer is significantly higher than that of the subject

This image portrays the concept of bird's eye view because it is a photo taken from above looking down 

Variety:to use variety is to combine different elements (differences in shape, color, line, texture...) into one composition

This photo shows variety because there are differences in the shape, color and, texture of all the seashells

Unity: unity occurs when all of the elements of a piece combine to make a balanced, harmonious, complete whole.

This photo shows unity because there are similar shapes, colors  and lines throughout which make the photo balanced and harmonious.

Rule of thirds: The rule of thirds is a "rule of thumb" or guideline which applies to the process of composing visual images such as designs, films, paintings, and photographs. The guideline proposes that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines.

This photo uses the rule of thirds because the flower is positioned in the bottom right part of the photo.

Simplicity: Focus on subject of photo without any background clutter.

This photo portrays simplicity because the focus of the photo is on the seashell with nothing else in the background background .

Symmetrical Balance: Symmetrical balance is seen in perfectly centered compositions or those with mirror images.

This image shows symmetrical balance because the water acts as a mirror, reflecting the image across the photo.

 

 

Vertical lines: Solid vertical lines are attention-getters and can be used to create tension, to act as direct guides and paths, and to act as dividers and natural frames.

This photo shows vertical lines because of the sticks in the water. They create tension and grants the attention of the viewer

 

Texture: texture is used to enhance detail, drama, or information.

This photo shows texture by getting a very close view of rope/string . It shows the detail on the surface of the object. 

Diagonal Lines: Sweep across any area of the image and go in any direction and causes that ‘dynamic’ feeling associated with these lines. 

This photo shows diagonal lines because the bridge forms a line that runs in a  slanted direction. 

Horizon line: 

Horizons are the most common horizontal line to be found in photographs and they often act as a dividing point in a photograph. They show where the ground meets the sky.

This photo portrays a horizon line which emphasizes the sky because the line is placed closer to the ground. (Not in center)

Curved Lines: Curved lines allow the eye to explore an image in a smooth, free-flowing manner.

This photo shows curved lines with the curved water and mountains. The lines give a feeling of comfort and safety to the photo

Proportion/Scale: The size of one object compared to another

This photo shows proportion because it shows the size of a person compared to the size of the boulder. This makes the rock look much bigger because you can see how much smaller the person is in comparison.

Rhythm/Movement: Rhythm in photography makes a path of movement for the viewer's eye.

This photo shows movement and rhythm because your eye is carried throughout the photo to the different dancers.

              Asymmetrical Balance: asymmetrical design is typically off-center or created with an odd or mismatched number of disparate elements. When the left and right sides of the design are unequal it is said to have asymmetrical balance.

This photo shows asymmetrical balance because if the photo was folded in half it would be close to identical with the exception of the bike on one side making it off centered. 
 

Framing: framing uses objects existing in the scenery to frame the focus of a photo.

This photo uses framing because the trees in the scenery are being uses the frame the girl (focus/subject). This directs the viewers attention to the main focus of the photo.

Worm's eye view:  A worm's-eye view is a view of an object from below, as though the observer were aworm; the opposite of a bird's-eye view.

This photo portrays worms eye view because it is from below looking up and the flowers.