Art and Photography

1. COMPOSITION
A COMPOSITION is an arrangement of elements, to achieve a unified whole.
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2. Elements: color, line, shape, texture, space
Compositional principles are unity and variety, balance, rhythm, emphasis, proportion and scale.
These help communicate the intended message.
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3. Unity and Variety
Unity - denotes
wholeness, harmony
Elements that have
similar characteristics
provide unity as well as
theme.
This can be achieved by
repetition of line, color,
texture, shape, size…
Variety -
provides interest
the essence of
variety is contrast
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4. Balance
symmetrical: weight and size the same at both ends of a central axis
asymmetrical: sizes and amounts may differ, weights equal
Symmetry Asymmetry
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5. radial: design emanates from a pivotal central point
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6. Rhythm use of repetitive elements, measurement
creates visual movement - references measure in sound
meter, being a perceived underlying structure
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7. Emphasis focal point, dominant or attention getting part of the design
often dramatic - use of elements to direct the eye to important area
isolation, contrast used to make this occur
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8. Photo by David Blumenkrantz
unity and variety,
balance, rhythm,
emphasis,
proportion and
scale

9. PROPORTION
Proportion refers to the relative size and scale of the various
elements in a design - the relationship between objects, or parts,
of a whole.
In dog shows, the proportions of the animal are critical to success.
The parts of a chair are proportional in terms of function and
aesthetics. We recognize bodies and faces via proportions.
The proportions of the framing below alter the way we see the image.
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10. The GOLDEN SECTION and THE FIBONACCI NUMBERS: :
The ancient Greeks studied mathematics and felt that it was the controlling force of the universe. From
mathematics they derived what they considered to be the ideal proportion - the golden mean or golden
section - for harmonious effect.
If we create a set of squares
inside the golden rectangle,
always adhering to the same
proportions, and then inscribe a
spiral through these, we get the
identical pattern as found in
nature for such things as the
spiral of a nautilus shell, a cat's
claw, a pine cone, flowers, etc.
The golden section has been
used extensively in architecture,
painting, and sculpture.
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13. The ratio of 3:5 (or 5:3) is special to
professional designers.
Photographers and artists have long
noted that viewers seem to prefer
pictures which are proportioned using
this ratio.
A rectangle whose width is greater than its
height is called a "landscape"
orientation, and is viewed as
pastoral and calming.
A rectangle whose height is greater than its
width has a "portrait" orientation,
and is considered to attract more
attention, but not be as soothing, as
a landscape.
Another special ratio is 2:3.5 for smaller
shapes. This is the ratio of most
business cards. This size, and multiples
of it, seem very comfortable and
familiar. That being said, an unusual
size might stand out, but not fit into the
size of a wallet pocket…
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14. A Simple Approach to Good Composition - Rule of Thirds
1. The most natural and pleasing size ground or format size upon which to compose a picture is a Golden
Rectangle,
2. Divide the rectangle into thirds. This will aid in locating the "sweet spots" in which to place the center
of interest.
Don't divide the picture into 4 equal quarters.
This is boring, and can lead to producing four pictures in one painting.
Avoid placing the center of interest in the dead center of the support.
Any object that is dead center commands the viewer's attention.
It is too powerfully-placed to ignore, overshadowing other elements needed to understand the picture.
If you want your viewer to ignore all other parts of your composition, then place your center of
interest smack in the middle, like a bulls’ eye. The important thing is that you know the reasons
for object placement in your images. Knowing why you do something and what effect it will have
leads to good composition.
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15. In an effective page layout,
each graphic and textual
element will have a visual
prominence that is appropriate
to its role in conveying the
message.
There is an intentional visual
hierarchy of elements to
present information to the
viewer.
The scale of the format - the
overall size of the poster - is
one function of the design. It
needs to command attention
where it will be posted.
The proportions in the design -
the relationship of sizes and
alignment - are what indicates
importance, guides the eye,
enhances movement and
provides unity.

16. In this celebrity portrait,
Robert Frank intentionally
subverted the traditional
depth of field effect,
creating a feeling of
isolation rather than
adulation for the subject.
The proportion of the
front figure makes her
feel close to us, yet
unconnected due to the
blurry quality of this part.

17. Some basic design compositional hints:
1. Designate your focal point.
Ask yourself, "Where do I want the viewer's attention to be drawn first?" Then you can
choose your supplementary, supporting photographs, if appropriate.
2. Consider the whole page - figure and ground.
3. Consider effective proportions.
You might apply the "Rule of Thirds." Think of your page as a grid, divided into thirds
horizontally and vertically. Place your focal point on one of the convergences of these lines.
4. Maintain balance .
Choose symmetry or asymmetry as a strategy. Consider both the size and complexity of
your page elements as you distribute them in your layout.
5. Use repetition.
Repeat shapes, textures, sizes, colors, or other attributes to achieve rhythm, unity and
theme.
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18. Photo by Lewis Hine
Center of Interest and Focal Point
How does this composition enhance the message about the working conditions and
youth at end of the 1800s?