Elements and Principles of Design

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 Leading

o   Leading lines refers to a technique of composition where the viewer of your photos attention is drawn to lines that lead to the main subject of the image.

Leading Lines

Vertical

o   Vertical lines have the ability to convey a variety of different moods in a photograph ranging from power and strength (think of skyscrapers) to growth (think of trees).

Vertical Lines

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 Horizontal

o   In contrast to the effect of vertical lines, horizontal lines can lend a lazy, calm feeling to a photograph. They may bring to mind how it feels to lie down and be relaxed. Some examples of using horizontal lines to create a calming mood are to capture long, rolling waves on a shoreline, using the solid line of a fallen tree as a main element; and capturing the peaceful line of an ocean horizon. The calm, relaxed feeling created in all of these scenes can be further enhanced by using a horizontal format.

Horizontal Lines

  

 Diagonal

o   Diagonals are considered more visually dynamic than verticals or horizontals. Where vertical and horizontal lines sit in the composition and are restricted to up-down, left-right movement, diagonals can sweep across any area of the image and go in any direction and this is what causes that ‘dynamic’ feeling associated with these lines. 

Diagonal Lines

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 Curved

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. In contrast to straight or patterned lines, meandering curved lines allow the eye to explore an image in a smooth, free-flowing manner.

Curved Lines

Balance:

Symmetrical

o   SYMMETRY refers to a line that splits an object in half and, if both sides of the object are an exact mirror image of each other, then this object is said to be symmetrical. 

 Asymmetrical

this is a simple image and it makes it clear to the viewer and it makes the odd side stand out (which can be effective, like breaking a pattern in an  image to make it stand out).

Unity: 

Unity is created by using harmonious similarity and repetition, continuance, proximity and alignment, and closure of design elements in different parts of the work so that the parts RELATE to each other and create a unified whole, that can be greater than the sum of the parts, rather than an ill-fitting and meaningless assortment of elements.

Variety: 

Variety is all the diverse art elements and principles found in a picture, such as light and dark, big and small, smooth and rough. You can create variety with objects or subjects, colors, textures, movement, or shapes.

Movement / Rhythm: 

Definition of Rhythm: a movement in which some elements recurs regularly. Like a dance it will have a flow of objects that will seem to be like the beat of music.

Definition of Movement: is the path the viewer’s eye takes through the artwork, often to a focal area. It can be directed along lines, edges, shapes and color. Movement is closely tied to rhythm.

Emphasis:

 Emphasis is defined as an area or object within the artwork that draws attention and becomes a focal point.

Proportion / Scale: 

Scale refers to the size of an object (a whole) in relationship to another object (another whole). In art, the size relationship between an object and the human body is significant. In experiencing the scale of an artwork, we tend to compare its size to the size of our own bodies.

Proportion refers to the relative size of parts of a whole (elements within an object). We often think of proportions in terms of size relationships within the human body.

Repetition / Pattern: 

Repetition refers to one object or shape repeated; pattern is a combination of elements or shapes repeated in a recurring and regular arrangement

Point of View: 

·bird’s eye:

 A bird's-eye view is an elevated view of an object from above, with a perspective as though the observer were a bird, often used in the making of blueprints, floor plans, and maps. It can be an aerial photograph, but also a drawing.

· worm’s eye: 

A worm's-eye view is a view of an object from below, as though the observer were a worm; the opposite of a bird's-eye view

Rule of Thirds:

A method of dividing the photograph into thirds vertically and horizontally creating four intersection points. The main subject should usually fall into one of the intersecting points, a little off-center in the photo.

Framing: 

 Framing refers to using elements of a scene to create a frame within your frame.

Simplicity:

 Backgrounds can be entirely neutral, like a solid backdrop or a cloudless sky; or they can complement the image, like a starfish on the sand. A more technical method of achieving simplicity involves focusing on the subject while ensuring the background is out of focus.