The document discusses various visual composition techniques through examples of photographs. It provides photographs to demonstrate lines, 2D and 3D shapes, color, texture, depth, light, motion, mass, tone, value, space, balance, and emphasis. For each technique, it briefly describes the technique and credits the source of the example photographs.

1. VISUAL
COMPOSITION

2. Lines
Lines can either be very complex or very simple like the images shown.
The bottom picture is a quite simple combination of lines to make up
an object, while the top image is very complex and is a very basic
element of design but makes the picture immensely moving.
Picture 1 was found by searching for “photography for lines” on Google images and is located at:
https://encrypted-
tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSozuH_KS1gI3yY20OtWKFXhcmfO_ItLo9c3onDQ0Z-
8-h6uXcBbQ
Picture 2 was found by searching for “lines” on Google images and is located
at: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSkuf1tS3ScpDRGa3mWaTsKRH-
ffQxN7LQIobpc4TJqsHHqDG1m

3. Shape (2D)
The two pictures shown are examples of 2D shapes that
can be very simple or very complex. 2D shapes can be
any image that has no dimension to it, so it looks flat.
Picture 1 was found by searching for “shape (2D)” on Google images and is
located at: https://encrypted-
tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQaXvbq8HJGwVzN0frBCqKoN51Pr0py
e7AWLRfl4Kfjyp5TWmxK
Picture 2 was found by searching for “interesting 2d shapes” on Google images
and is located at: http://turtle.mylittleproject.co.uk/images/screenshots/3.jpg

4. Form (3D)
3D photography is the form of photography that involves 3D
objects, rather than 2D. These pictures really show great
3D, they are so calm and majestic but yet, so powerful.
Picture 1 was found by searching for “Form (3D)” on Google images and is located at:
https://encrypted-
tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQDFWBVf0mxZR_m0phDrwV_LDO5pHz332kH0B
OT4ZXzuSaKiTba
Picture 2 was found by searching for “form (3d) black and white” on Google images and is
located at: https://encrypted-
tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQDFWBVf0mxZR_m0phDrwV_LDO5pHz332kH0B
OT4ZXzuSaKiTba

5. Color
Colour in pictures is what makes it visually appealing and catches your
eye, especially when most of the picture is a certain colour and then one object or
item or a different colour that is either opposite on the colour wheel or adjacent to
each other. I chose these two pictures because they stood out to me and were
perfect examples on how colour in pictures can be used effectively.
Picture 1 was found by searching for “photographic colour” on Google images and is located at:
http://www.bretculp.com/gallery/archiveColour/content/images/large/BretCulp_TheWall.jpg
Picture 2 was found by searching for “colour photography” on Google images and is located at:
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSNCke12jpk3EjWVdirmpkStog-4bI-
2zAUHK8vPtAlVDiN0SC9pg

6. Texture
Texture is the visual or the feel of an object or piece. It makes the picture
seem more interesting and detailed, it adds to the visual and tactile aspect
of a piece. I chose there two pictures because they show a great deal of
texture and make the picture seem so much more interesting instead of just
a plain flat surface.
Picture 1 was found by searching for “photographic texture” on Google images and is
located at: http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/side-light-texture.jpg
Picture 2 was found by searching for “photographic texture” on Google images and is
located at: http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/texture-photography-essentials-and-tips/

7. Depth (Perspective)
Depth is where one object is more focused in then the others, or where the
object the photographer wants you to focus on is clear and close up, or where
everything else in the photo is blurred to make the main object to be focused on
and make it seem so much more important then everything else.
Picture 1 was found by searching for “photographic depth” on Google images and is located
at: http://imgc.artprintimages.com/images/art-print/sounding-the-depth-at-queenstown-
cobh-ireland-_i-G-62-6227-5S83100Z.jpg
Picture 2 was found by searching for “photographic depth” on Google images and is located
at: https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR2l-
lSUMLd_NlUR9dbF1a6OXq6gbm3oEOQJWHvexHWU-MZjQ27

8. Light
Light and dark spots in an image provide contrast that suggest volume. Things that can
affect somebody’s feelings towards an image could be the direction of the light source.
Light coming from in front of the object can result in a mysterious shadow behind the
object. Also, light coming from above a person or object can result in the picture
becoming a lot more dramatic and more visually appealing.
Picture 1 was found by searching for “photographic light” on Google images and is located at:
http://www.ludimaginary.net/img/photographie-nuit/one-step-behind-night-photography.jpg
Picture 2 was found by searching for “photographic light” on Google images and is located at:
https://encrypted-
tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQM9Z9UpI5QG4CN7sHIKLx7y9VtH4xL6_JV4s3HOkgX
k1bhRP3d

9. Direction (Motion)
When a person or object that moves past us very quickly, we see
things as they appear somewhat blurry to show motion. Since
you can not actually show motion in a picture, your mind and
the photographer has to rely on tricks that cause the viewer to
perceive motion.
Picture 1 was found by searching for “motion in photography” on Google images and is
located at: http://media.smashingmagazine.com/images/motion-
blur/2642246332_56be9c2578.jpg
Picture 2 was found by searching for “speedy night” on Google images and is located
at:http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2135/5762124147_4e5fa787a1.jpg

10. Mass (Visual Weight)
Mass in photography shows the actual
dimensions in a photo, which are
height, weight, width, and depth.
These two pictures demonstrate visual
weight perfectly because each part of
the design have their own mass
relative to the whole piece.
Picture 1 was found by searching for “mass in
photography” on Google images and is located at:
http://verybadfrog.com/wp-
content/uploads/2010/06/Weapons-of-Mass-
Destruction-Photography.jpg
Picture 2 was found by searching for “mass in
photography” on Google images and is located at:
http://www.creativeroots.org/wp-
content/uploads/2009/05/3b24427r.jpg

11. Tone (Black and White)
In tone the colour of the subject is unimportant, it is defined as the intensity of
lightness or darkness in anything this visible. Tone adds great value to the
picture itself.
Picture 1 was found by searching for “black and white photography” on Google images and is
located at: http://images.photo-visible.com/photo_public/2008/3/800/800_226.jpg
Picture 2 was found by searching for “black and white photography” on Google images and is
located at:http://www.annedarlingphotography.com/images/black-and-white-night-
photography-3.jpg

12. Value
Value in photography is normally where a photographer purposely
edits a photo or choses a dark background to make the main focus, and
whoever is viewing the photo knows what the photographer wanted as
the center of attention, such as the two pictures here.
Picture 1 was found by searching for “photographic value” on Google images and is located
at: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VVbkMeE8GTo/TK-
LlmMArEI/AAAAAAAAAek/pbuYO_Sk8rM/s1600/20091003-IMG_0413.jpg
Picture 2 was found by searching for “photographic value” on Google images and is located
at: http://www.pbase.com/image/28785722/medium.jpg

13. Space (Positive and Negative)
Space is the area in or around an object that is there or
occupies for a specific reason. In the top picture the
positive space is represented by the arch and the
negative space is used to represent the pyramid in the
background and put great emphasis on what you can see
through the arch. In the bottom picture the positive
space is represented by the space between the two faces
and the outlines of the faces, the negative space is
represented by the heads themselves and you are not
able to see any detail but the outlines of the black
Picture 1 was found by searching for “photographic space
(positive and negative)” on Google images and is located at:
http://farm1.staticflickr.com/147/351442724_ab875fdd73.jp
g
Picture 2 was found by searching for “photographic space
(positive and negative)” on Google images and is located at:
http://www.dzineblog360.com/wp-
content/uploads/2011/12/rubin-vase.jpg

14. Balance
Symmetrical balance is a mirrored image or almost close to
identical, it is quite affective in adding visual effect. Asymmetrical
design like in the bottom picture is normally off-center with an odd or
mismatched number of different components and this has basically
the same affect just slightly off center.
Picture 1 was found by searching for “photographic balance” on Google images and is located
at: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-
luONeRJYFnc/UClTQJ_zDYI/AAAAAAAAABY/Pxc6sAXnIiI/s640/asymmetricalbalance..jp
g
Picture 2 was found by searching for “water reflection photography” on Google images and is
located at: http://photoity.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Colorful-Water-Reflection-
Photography.jpg

15. Emphasis
Photographic emphasis is where the
photographer blurs the background
the put on emphasis on the main
object. It is mainly a tactic used to
make the element that is most
important stand out in the design
such as these two pictures here
Picture 1 was found by searching for “photographic
emphasis” on Google images and is located at:
http://www.harrynowell.com/workshops/David%2
0Picture_2.jpg
Picture 2 was found by searching for “pictures” on
Google images and is located at:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-
aL7kRBCxN0U/UN8SZBLq-
NI/AAAAAAAAD9w/4cqDUKpRPRg/s1600/snow_
leopard_pictures_1.jpg

16. Proportion (Scale)
Proportion in photography is where an object
may be really small but the photographer used a
low camera angle to make it appear big, but on
the other hand, he or she could find a very large
object and use a high camera angle to make it
appear quite a bit smaller then it actually is. It’s
meant to show that something small can be
actually meant to be perceived as big or the
opposite.
Picture 1 was found by searching for “low camera
angle” on Google images and is located at:
http://www.proprofs.com/flashcards/upload/q11086
297.jpg
Picture 2 was found by searching for “very high
camera angle” on Google images and is located at:
http://www.myfilmstories.com/wp-
content/uploads/2012/02/High-angle-shot.jpeg

17. Repetition (Rhythm)
Repetition in photography can really add
essence to a photo. Repetition refers to
rhythm, when an element in a photo is
repeated more then once it has an important
meaning. Can also be used to tie a work
together.
Picture 1 was found by searching for “photographic
repetition” on Google images and is located at:
http://unlock80.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/repititi
on.jpg
Picture 2 was found by searching for “photographic
repetition” on Google images and is located at:
http://pcdn.500px.net/4236374/849bf8c1f19ffedc8dc
a50e9faa2c54df1b873c1/4.jpg

18. Unity
Unity is where objects in a piece seem that they are some how
related to each other. This can be achieved by proximity;
making objects appear to belong together by grouping them
closely together.
Picture 1 was found by searching for “photographic unity” on Google images and is located
at: http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_megmyz9kjH1r7u6l5o1_1280.jpg
Picture 2 was found by searching for “photographic unity” on Google images and is located
at: http://m7.i.pbase.com/o6/74/450574/1/70628467.GjxXxdfm.elnido100.jpg

19. Contrast
Contrast occurs when two
things in a photo are
different. The bigger then
difference, the greater the Picture 1 was found by searching for
contrast becomes. The “photographic contrast” on Google images
difference has obvious for it and is located at:
to be effective. It can be http://www.spudooli.com/images/2006060
mostly be done by using two 7172748_dsc_4587.jpg
completely different and Picture 2 was found by searching for
contrasting colours. “contrast” on Google images and is located
Contrast adds interest and at: http://wallpaperdev.com/stock/yellow-
emphasizes what is contrast-flower-hd-wallpaper.jpg
important.

20. Harmony
Harmony is where the photo is visually satisfying and
combines similar, related elements. This can be done
with adjacent colours on the colour wheel and similar
shapes. The overall goal is create a pleasing image.
Picture 1 was found by searching for “photographic harmony” on Google images and is
located at: http://dpshots.com/images/new_zealand_photography/photography-new-
zealand-Harmony-in-Pink.jpg
Picture 2 was found by searching for “harmony” on Google images and is located at:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-
J9KVvbe3x6U/UCUi4XQrk8I/AAAAAAAAAMw/yk7j_vxJrM0/s1600/what_is_harmony.j
pg

21. Proximity
Promixity is very easy way to create visual structure with an image. It gives the
photo an organized feel by there relation to one another. It means that related
items should appear close together. In this way, by spacing them a little bit
serves as a visual clue as to what’s related and as to where one piece of
information stops and starts.
Picture 1 was found by searching for “proximity in photography” on Google images and is
located at: http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/5211017/il_fullxfull.57172478.jpg
Picture 2 was found by searching for “proximity in photography” on Google images and is
located at: http://banhup.com/wordpress2/wp-content/gallery/my-gallery/proximity.jpg

22. Variety
Variety is the compliment to unity and is quite important in creating
visual interest. An image can be dull and uninteresting without
variety. Great design in created by adding variety, the elements need
to be unique. Variety can be achieved through lines;
thinness, thickness, value, color, angle, length. Also can be achieved
through shape; size, color, orientation and texture, type
Picture 1 was found by searching for “variety in photography” on Google images and is
located at: https://phillzdesigns.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/abstract-17.jpg
Picture 2 was found by searching for “variety in photography” on Google images and is
located at: http://justcreative.com/wp-content/gallery/elements-of-
photography/coloursquare2.jpg