Presentation visuals presented to the Jefferson County Photography Club. It's intended to cover principles of composition not normally considered or discussed (at least in our club).

1. Composition
Beyond the Obvious

2. Today’s Principles...
• Contrast
• Balance
• Depth
• Leading Lines
• Proximity
• Common Fate

3. Contrast

4. Color
Hue: Position on the color wheel.
More distance = more contrast.
Value: Relative lightness or darkness
Saturation and Intensity: Purity of a hue

5. Hue
example

8. Value
example

10. Saturation
example

12. Orientation
An object’s orientation relative to other
elements in the composition can create
meaning by focusing attention on anomaly.

14. Texture
Shifts in tactile quality or pattern can create
focal points.

16. Shape
We often ascribe personality, meaning, or
emotion to different shapes.
Contrasts of shape engage both our ability to
notice form and our cognitive associations with
those configurations.

19. Balance

20. Value
The eye is attracted to contrast, so a small area
of high contrast will balance a larger area of low
contrast.

21. Shape
A small complicated shape can balance a large
simple shape. Also, a large uncluttered area can
balance a small busy area containing many
shapes.

23. Symmetrical
Both sides are essentially mirrored. Sometimes
called formal balance.

25. Asymmetrical
Generally more interesting than symmetrically
balanced images. More casual, dynamic, and
relaxed.

27. Absence of balance can create tension.

29. Depth

30. Depth
The illusion of distance or a third dimension.
This can be achieved through perspective or
overlapping objects.

36. Proximity

37. Proximity
Elements that are close together are perceived
to be more related than elements that are
farther apart.

40. Photo © 2013 Osman Orsal

41. Lines

42. Lines
Lines lead the viewer into and around the
scene. Leading lines direct the viewer towards
a focal point in the image. Lines can also be
symbolic, depending on their orientation and
direction.

43. Vertical Lines
Tall and balanced, solid, and firm. They
symbolize strength, power, and stability.

45. Horizontal Lines
Peaceful and static, the horizontal line suggests
stability, permanence, and tranquility.

47. Diagonal Lines
Diagonal lines are active and dynamic, creating
tension and bringing to mind action and motion.

49. Curved Lines
Like diagonal lines, curved lines suggest motion
- but slower motion. The greater the curve,
the more dramatic the tension.

52. Common Fate

53. Common Fate
Elements that move in the same direction are
perceived to be more related than elements
that move in different directions or are
stationary.

56. Further Reading...
• http://www.goshen.edu/art/ed/Compose.htm
• http://www.siggraph.org/education/materials/Hyper
• http://www.artincanada.com/arttalk/compositionglo
• http://photoinf.com/General/NAVY/Photographic_

57. ...and some books(that I used)
• Composition Photo Workshop - Bruce Fier
• Universal Principles of Design - William Lidwell,
Kritina Holden, Jill Butler
• The Information Design Handbook - Jenn + Ken
Visocky O’Grady