10 Design Elements & Principles of Photography 1. Emphasis 2. Background 3. Motion 4. Line 5. Contrast 6. Texture 7. Vantage Point 8. Repetition 9. Framing 10. Extreme close-up

10 “KEY” ELEMENTS & PRINCIPLES The design elements & principles of photography are specific visual components that help contribute toward a photographs overall success. They are often thought of as the building blocks or foundation of an image.

However, it is important to note that They are only basic guidelines. The Elements & principles can be used alone, or in combination with each other to help the photographer create a successful image. However, it is important to note that they are not strict rules that must be followed, nor does the presence of an element of principle ensure success. They are only basic guidelines.

Emphasis (The Rule of Thirds) Imaginary lines are drawn dividing the image (or view finder) into thirds- horizontally & vertically. Important elements placed where lines intersect.

Emphasis (The Rule of Thirds) The Rule of Thirds dates back to ancient Greece. Artists used the rule as a way to mathematically divide the picture plane. Emphasis (The Rule of Thirds) Overarching goal is to create BALANCE.

Emphasis (The Rule of Thirds) Before taking a picture, mentally divide the viewfinder (or frame) into thirds, horizontally and vertically. Place subject or subjects where the four lines intersect. This will help you find the most dynamic placements for your subjects.

2. Background ....Included Simplified…….

Objects in background and foreground are equally visible and in focus. Background- Included Objects in background and foreground are equally visible and in focus.

Objects in both the foreground and the background are important. Background Included Objects in both the foreground and the background are important. Viewer can clearly see objects that are further away from the cameras lens.

Background Included & D.O.F Including the background adds depth to an image, giving the viewer a sense of space. A.K.A. Deep Depth of Field Produced using a Small Aperture- f/16 & smaller.

Background- Simplified Main subject, or object of importance is in sharp focus while the background is blurred.

Background Simplified Foreground is in sharp focus while background is blurry. Intention is to emphasize foregrounds importance.

Focus is on main area of interest. Background Blurred & D.O.F Focus is on main area of interest. A.K.A- Shallow Depth of Field Produced using a large aperture-f/5.6 or lower If done carefully, from the right angle (VANTAGE POINT) the photographer can intentionally blur both the background and foreground

Blurred or frozen, motion adds excitement & energy to a photo.

Motion Frozen Use of an extremely fast shutter speed captures objects and people in motion as if they were frozen in time. To capture objects/ people in motion use a fast shutter speed- 1/500 & up

Frozen Motion adds excitement and anticipation- Is great for sports photos.

Stresses movement. Makes the viewer feel alive in the moment. Motion Blurred Stresses movement. Makes the viewer feel alive in the moment. To Capture Blurred Motion Use a tripod and a Slow shutter speed- 1/ 60 and slower!

4. Lines Convey space & depth 4. Lines Convey space & depth. Direct the eyes toward main area(s) of interest. Converging Horizontal Leading Diagonal Curved Vertical

Lines- Converging Lines that run parallel into the distance or that actually converge at some point.

Line- Diagonal Leads the eyes to the main focal point. Gives viewer the feeling of movement, energy and motion. Often times the lines in an image lead you to a person. 20

Line- Horizontal Denotes calm, tranquility and peacefulness. Line- Vertical Denotes dignity, height, strength, and grandeur. Ex. trees, tall buildings, fences, people standing up, mountains, etc. Tall building shows height, strength, dignity and grandeur. Trees show height and strength. Line- Horizontal Denotes calm, tranquility and peacefulness.

Extreme differences between two areas of an image 5. Contrast Extreme differences between two areas of an image Visual discord in a composition. Creates areas of emphasis.

Contrast is created by differences in: The juxtaposition of opposing or conflicting elements adds interest and directs viewers attention. Contrast is created by differences in: VALUE PATTERN TEXTURE SHAPE SPACE LINE CONCEPT COLOR

6. Texture Texture describes surface quality. (Smooth, rough, bumpy, silky, hard, rigid, soft, squishy, etc.)

Texture Implies how something might feel if it were touched, bringing a tactile dimension to a photo. 25

The angle from which the photo was taken. 7. Vantage Point The angle from which the photo was taken. Looking Up Looking Down

Vantage Point- Looking Down Photograph taken from above subject.

Vantage Point- Looking Up Photograph taken from the ground looking up at main subject. Often used to photograph celebrities , & models. Makes subjects look tall and lean

8. Repetition Repetition is the reoccurrence of design elements & principles (line, color, shape, form, etc.)

Creates a sense of visual rhythm. Repetition Creates a sense of visual rhythm. Adds unity and harmony to a photograph that, like a series of repeating notes in a melody, capture the imagination

9. Framing Objects in foreground create a frame around main subject(s) in background.

Framing Used to draw viewer into the frame. Tricks the mind into thinking that is actually a part of the photograph.

10. Close- Up Camera lens is physically closer to subject than normal creating a unique perspective, or a new way of viewing a familiar object.

Most often a photo will have more than one element of importance that leads towards its success. 34

Examine Each Image in the remaining slides Identify The Elements & Principles that are present. 35

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