Principles of Design for Photography

Composition – the pleasing arrangement of subject matter elements within the picture area.

List the Principles of Design

1. Variety2. Contrast3. Balance4. Emphasis5. Repetition

6. Rhythm7. Pattern8. Movement9. Unity10.Proportion

Variety • When there are many different types of elements used in a work of art

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heatherelaine1.wordpress.com

Contrast• In Photography, when there are not a lot of middle

shades, a picture has extreme whites and blacks.• Using Complimentary Colors next to each other.• Opposites

digital-photography-school.com

jessicadelvecchio.blogspot.com

Balance• When a work of art looks like it is visually weighted

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Out of Balance

Balanced

Emphasis

• When the artist draws attention to a particular areaAnswers the questions:• What is the subject? • Where is the subject? • Where should the viewer look? • What is important? davidoxleyphotography.co.uk

blog.schipul.com

Smashingapps.com

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Repetition• When an objects or elements are

used over and over

worldofstock.com dailytravelphotos.com

sheamusburns.com

sjbino.com

Designzzz.com

Rhythm• When elements are arranged to have a visual

look of a musical beat

dailytravelphotos.com

Pattern• When elements are repeated to create

a particular order

wildcarp.com

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Movement • When the artist captures subject matter that is moving or appears to be moving (action photography)

Redbubble.com

Exposureguide.com

Unity• The elements are arranged so that the piece fits

together – Everything belongs

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Momshots.com

http://dpshots.com/photo-inspiration/sunset-photos.html

The photograph above lacks unity: too much negative space, odd placement of people, and a rocket in the background. This photograph shows what happened, but it is not a good art photograph.

Proportion• The elements are arranged in sizes that work together

blaine901.wordpress.com

rochelle-photography2010.blogspot.com

Not Proportionedbut still good photography