Module Two: Composition

Photo by Christine P.
The bee becomes the focal point due to the contrast of his black rear on the white flower. Because he is half in the flower the viewer then sees the flowers. The focused flowers point to the unfocused flowers which then bring your eye to the large green leaf into he foreground. This visual path is what we call movement in art.

Focal Point

The focal point is defined as the center of interest, where your eye goes first when looking at a piece of art. The focal point does not have to be the subject, but it must only keep the viewer’s eyes for a moment of rest before moving on to view the entire image. A focal point may also give a sense of scale or visual balance, like a lone tree in a landscape.

Rule of Thirds

The Rule of Thirds is the most common compositional guideline used by artists. Imagine the scene divided in thirds both vertically and horizontally, creating 9 equal sections. Where these lines intersect is the location you should place your objects of interest. Most people think that centered in best, when in actuality it creates a static (boring) image.

by Hanna L.
Mrs. V added the lightened lines to demonstrate the use of rule of thirds

by Sarah G.

Framing

To increase interest or to provide information about scale you can utilize the technique of framing. Using objects to create borders (frames) around your subject.

Angle of View

“Normally” photographs are taken from between 3 and 6 feet from the subject and from the viewpoint of the photographer’s eye-level. One of the easiest ways to add significance to your images is to change your viewpoint. Lay on the ground to gain an ant’s perspective or climb a tree to use a bird’s eye view.

by Rachel K.

by Hanna L.

Using the Elements and Principles of Art and Design

The Art Elements are basic aspects of art that are present in all art. The elements include: line, value, color, shape, texture, space and form. The Art Principles result when you use the Elements successfully. These are characteristics that make your works “good art”. The Principles are: movement, emphasis, contrast, pattern, rhythm, balance and unity.

Color

The ability to use color is a huge advantage to digital photography, please view the Color document in order to complete the color theory photograph. Also, visit this site to gain better understanding of the various theories.

Complementary Color Theory by H. Engelberger

Gestalt Principles
Check out these links and get a grasp on what each principle tells us about the visual organization of art.
http://graphicdesign.spokanefalls.edu/tutorials/process/gestaltprinciples/gestaltprinc.htm

http://psychology.about.com/od/sensationandperception/ss/gestaltlaws.htm

Anomally (opposite of similarity) demonstrated by Sarah G.

Find more by Marius Andrei Dima on Flickr

Gestalt: Continuation Principle by Jake G.

Module Two Assignments:

Take a photograph that utilizes framing. (20 points)
Upload it to FlickR with the Label "Framing" and in the description explain how you know it is appropriate for the assignment and complete your Critique.
Take a photograph that is taken from a perspective that is “unusual” (Angle of View). (20 points)
Upload it to FlickR with the Label "Angle of View" and in the description explain how you know it is appropriate for the assignment and complete your Critique.
I would like you to choose one of the color theories and take a photograph that demonstrates it well. (20 points)
Upload it to FlickR with the Label "Color Theory " and in the description explain how you know it is appropriate for the assignment and complete your Critique.
Take a photograph that successfully demonstrates one of the Elements or Principles. (20 points)
Upload it to FlickR with the Label "Element/Principle" and in the description explain how you know it is appropriate for the assignment and complete your Critique.