The Elements and Principles of Design

·      Leading Line

o   Leading lines refers to a composition technique whereby the viewer's eye is attracted to lines that lead directly to the principle subject in the image.

·      Vertical Lines

o   Vertical lines draw the eyes up and down a picture.

·      Horizontal Lines

o   Horizons are the most common horizontal line to be found in photographs and they often act as a dividing point in a photograph and can speak either of permanency and timelessness or rest.

·      Diagonal Lines

o   Diagonal lines are used to create tension and dynamics and lead the eyes in a particular direction.

      ·      Curved Lines

o   Curved lines may add beauty and grace to an image. They are also used as a popular design technique for leading the eye into the frame.

·      Symmetrical

o    Symmetrical Balance is achieved when both sides of the image hold equal weight  

·      Asymmetrical

o   When an image is asymmetrically balanced, the viewer has to spend a little more time looking at the image in order to realize that it is symmetrical.

Unity: 

• Unity in a composition is achieved when all of the design principles (balance, emphasis, proportion, contrast and movement) have been correctly applied and there is harmony between them. 

Variety: A principle of design concerned with diversity or contrast. Variety is achieved by using different shapes, sizes, and/or colors in a work of art.

Movement / Rhythm: A principle of design used to create the look and feeling of action and to guide the viewer’s eye throughout the work of art.

Emphasis: A way of combining elements to stress the differences between those elements.

Proportion / Scale: A principle of design that refers to the relationship of certain elements to the whole and to each other.

Repetition / Pattern: Repetition photography is a way to grab the attention of your audience and draw them into the image. Repeating a shape throughout your photo gives you instant composition and can say a lot about your subject.

Point of View:

·      bird’s eye

o   photographing a subject from above\

·      worm’s eye

photographing a subject from below

Rule of Thirds: A guideline which applies to the process of composing visual images such as designs, films, paintings, and photographs

Framing: using elements of a scene to create a frame within your frame

Simplicity: clarity in a photo