Elements & Principles of Design

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN

LEADING LINES

Leading lines are a compositional technique where human-made or natural lines lead the viewer's eyes through a photograph to the subject or the heart of the image. 

VERTICAL LINES

Vertical lines represent growth, strength and confidence in photos. Just like with our body language, when we stand up straight, we appear more in control, confident and strong. If a subject is leaning against a vertical line in an image, they look supported.

HORIZONTAL LINES

 A horizontal line is a straight line that runs from the left side of the frame to the right. Horizontal lines give the impression of stability because of their relation to the horizon and the ground that we stand on. When you combine that with a material known for it's strength, you can produce a photo that really stands out for it's stability.

DIAGONAL LINES

Diagonal lines are a compositional element that stretches diagonally across a photo. They guide the eye through the frame, carefully taking the viewer through the photograph. Diagonal lines help to create depth, a sense of tension, and dynamism.

CURVED LINES

Curved lines bring the eyes of the viewer on a course throughout your image. They flow within the photo and lead the viewer on an eye-candy journey. The more they can course the viewer on his or her journey, the stronger the composition.

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

FORMAL BALANCE:

Symmetry (also known as formal balance) is achieved when both sides of the image hold equal weight.

INFORMAL BALANCE:

Asymmetrical balance: Also known as informal balance, asymmetrical balance involves the deliberate off-center placement of the main subject in the photograph. It's a common composition technique in photography tutorials, and its core concept of asymmetry informs many of the other types of balances.

UNITY:

Unity is a principle of visual design in photography that involves the repetition of certain elements in an image to make it visually pleasing. Employing unity when creating a photo brings all the elements together to make a cohesive, strong image that feels like they all fit together.

VARIETY:

Variety is the principle of art that adds interest to an artwork. Variety works through juxtaposition and contrast. When an artist places different visual elements next to one another, he/she is using variety. Straight lines next to curvy lines add variety.

RHYTHM:

Rhythm in photography refers to the way in which the eyes look at an image. If there is only one element to look at in the frame, the rhythm is pretty simple and quiet. It focuses on one thing only. When more elements are added, the photography rhythm changes, increases, speeds up a little.

EMPHASIS:

 

Emphasis draws viewers into your image and holds them there long enough to tell your story. It adds visual weight to your main subject and tells viewers what to focus on.

PROPORTION: 

Proportion in photography is usually comparing size of objects, or the amount of one thing to the whole. We generally think of comparing size when talking about proportion. By comparing the size of one object to another, it can give more or less importance to it.

REPETITION:

 

Proportion in photography is usually comparing size of objects, or the amount of one thing to the whole. We generally think of comparing size when talking about proportion. By comparing the size of one object to another, it can give more or less importance to it.

POINT OF VIEW

BIRD'S EYE:

An overhead shot is when the camera is placed directly above the subject. It's somewhere around a 90-degree angle above the scene taking place. Overhead shots are also called a bird view, bird's eye view, or elevated shot.

WORM'S EYE VIEW:

Worms eye view photography is a point of view in photography where the image is captured from a very low angle with camera pointing towards the top. It is like the view from a worm's eye in the ground, hence the name.

THE RULE OF THIRDS:

The rule of thirds is a composition guideline that places your subject in the left or right third of an image, leaving the other two thirds more open. While there are other forms of composition, the rule of thirds generally leads to compelling and well-composed shots.

FRAMING:

Framing in photography refers to the technique of drawing focus to the subject in the photo by blocking other parts of the image with something in the scene. Frames can be located in the center of the picture or alongside its edges.

SIMPLICITY:

Simplicity is the photography equivalent of minimalism. It's a photography composition technique that concentrates on keeping only the absolutely necessary information in frame.