COMPOSI TI ON:

PATTERN AND REPETI TI ON

I NTRO TO PHOTOGRAPHY
EL EMENTS OF ART
* Line is a mark with greater length than width. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal;
straight or curved; thick or thin.

* Shape is a closed line. Shapes can be geometric, like squares and circles; organic, like free-form
or natural shapes. Shapes are flat and can express lengthand width.

*Forms are three-dimensional shapes expressing length, width, and depth. Balls,cylinders, boxes,
and pyramids are forms.

*Space is the area between and around objects. The space around objects is often called negative
space; negative space has shape. Space can also refer to the feeling of depth. Real space is three-
dimensional; in visual art, when we create the feeling or illusion of depth, we call it space.

*Color is light reflected off of objects. Color has three main characteristics: hue (the name of the
color, such as red, green, blue, etc.), value (how light or dark it is), and intensity (how bright or dull
it is).

*Texture is the surface quality that can be seen and felt. Textures can be rough or smooth, soft or
hard.
touch the drawing, the
paper is still smooth.
PRI NCI PL ES OF DESI GN
*Balance is the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space. If the design was a scale, these elements
should be balanced to make a design feel stable. In symmetrical balance, the elements used on one side of the design are
similar to those on the other side; in asymmetrical balance, the sides are different but still look balanced. In radial balance, the
elements are arranged around a central point and may be similar.

*Emphasis is the part of the design that catches the viewers attention. Usually the artist will make one area stand out by
contrasting it with other areas. The area could be different in size, color, texture, shape, etc. Movement is the path the viewers
eye takes through the work of art, often to focal areas. Such movement can be directed along lines, edges, shape, and color
within the work of art.

*Pattern is the repeating of an object or symbol all over the work of art.

*Repetition works with pattern to make the work of art seem active. The repetition of elements of design creates unity within
the work of art.

*Proportion is the feeling of unity created when all parts (sizes, amounts, or number) relate well with each other. When drawing
the human figure, proportion can refer to the size of the head compared to the rest of the body.

*Rhythm is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized movement.
Rhythm creates a mood like music or dancing. To keep rhythm exciting and active, variety is essential.

*Variety is the use of several elements of design to hold the viewers attention and to guide the viewers eye through and
around the work of art.

*Unity is the feeling of harmony between all parts of the work of art, which creates a sense of completeness.
COMPOSI TI ON
Composition is all about the ay a
viewers eye moves through the page.
You can control this. Deciding
composition is deciding which
direction to lead the eye, what to stop
on and where to go nedt.
Composition is how a picture is
constructed
We are concerned with how the
subject is presented and how it relates
to the surroundings
How tone, color and the contrast are
used in the photograph to add impact.
RUL E OF THI RDS
RUL E OF
THI RDS
Imagine lines dividing your image
into thirds both ways Line up the
prominent straight lines and put
you subject at the places they
cross.
Why? Youre not putting the
subject dead center, so it gives
space for the eye to wander
around first.
It divides the canvas unequally, so
theres more emphasis on one part.
this makes it clearer where to look.
THE GOL DEN
RATI O
the golden ratio is a spiral
based on the Fibonacci
sequence.
It puts the point of interest
in the center and as the
spiral curves out other
items feature along its
continuous line.
This has been recognized
as aesthetically pleasing.
L EADI NG
L I NES
Lines that point towards the focal
point or draw the viewers eye
through the piece.
Using landscape, props, arrows
or paths for the eyes to walk
along.
S curves, C curves, Straight and
diagonal lines all can point to the
subject for stinger composition.
In photography this can vary from
the different lenses you can use.
CENTERED COMPOSI TI ONS CAN WORK WEL L I F THERE
I S A L OT OF SYMMETRY. FEEL FREE TO BREAK THE
RUL ES. WES ANDERSON DOES AND MAKES PRETTY
SUCCESSFUL MOVI ES.
BREAK THE RULES
POI NT OF VI EW
POI NT OF
VI EW
It important to consider as you
are taking photographs where
you are located and how you are
capturing your subject
Try different angles, above,
below, on the ground - even try
doing it with your iphone when
you take pictures to vary your
pictures.
Filling the frame can be a very
interesting way to capture a
subject.
PATTERN, REPETI TI ON AND THE
ABSTRACT
PATTERN, REPETI TI ON AND THE
ABSTRACT
In your first assignment, you will be exploring pattern
and repetition in the abstract form.
It is important to remember composition tips and also
contrast, saturation and looking for light when
possible.
Aaron Siskind
Harry Callahan
Alfred Stieglitz
Minor White
Paul Strand
Edward Weston
Andre Kertesz
Lazlo Maholy Nagy
Man Ray
Idris Khan
Wolfgang Tillmans
Adam Fuss
Uta Barth
Susan Derges
TECHNI QUES WE WI L L
EXPL ORE
PATTERN MAKI NG
Katherine Krough
Jelle Martin
Starlett Leigh
Oalfur Elliason
Jenny Sharaf
KAL EI DOSCOPE
MULTI PL E I MAGE
Yours Truly