Key Assignment 3: Static and Dynamic Composition

Hello Students,

To further our comprehension of photographic composition we will strive to develop an understanding of  the use of static and dynamic compositions with attention paid to creating a center of interest.

To summarize, static composition means that the majority of he lines and elements in the frame are horizontal or vertical. Theory dictates that the horizontal and vertical lines have a calming and soothing effect on the observer. Static compositions can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Conversely dynamic compositions occur when the elements in the frame are arranged in diagonal lines, which can have the effect of being somewhat unsettling on the observer. Dynamic compositions can denote movement, energy, excitement, vibrance.

To paraphrase: when the primary line of movement is horizontal or vertical the composition is static. When the primary movement is diagonal the composition is dynamic.

When it comes to composition each photo should have only on principal idea, topic or center of interest to which the viewers eyes are attracted. Subordinate elements within the picture must support and focus attention on the principle feature so it alone is emphasized. A photo without a dominant center of interest or one with more than one dominant center of interest is puzzling to the observer. Strive to frame your composition with a dominant "point of interest".

Key Assignment 3 - Static and Dynamic Composition:

Part 1: Create a series of static compositions that emphasize a point of interest, with other elements maintaining a supporting or subordinate roll 

Create 2 static photo compositions: Still life and portrait

• Create a still life of objects found in your home and arrange them into a static composition. Focus on creating parallel planes through the use of space between your objects while maintaining emphasis on a dominant subject
• Create a portrait of 2 people and pose them into a static composition. Pay attention to light, background, foreground and strive to emphasize vertical and horizontal alignments while maintaining emphasis on a dominant subject

Create 2 static photo compositions: Landscape and architecture

• Create a landscape photo showing natural features in your local area framed as a static composition. Strive for horizontal and vertical lines and elements while maintaining emphasis on a dominant subject
• Create a static photo composition using local architecture. Strive for horizontal and vertical elements while maintaining emphasis on a dominant subject

Part 2: Create a series of dynamic compositions that emphasize a point of interest, with other elements maintaining a supporting or subordinate roll.

Create 2 dynamic photo compositions: Still life and portrait

• Create a still life of objects found in your home and arrange them into a dynamic composition. Focus on creating parallel planes through the use of space between your objects
• Create a portrait of 2 people and pose them into a dynamic composition. Pay attention to light, background, foreground and strive to emphasize vertical and horizontal alignments

Create 2 dynamic photo compositions: Landscape and architecture

• Create a landscape photo showing natural features in your local area framed as a dynamic composition. Strive for diagonal lines and elements, or elements to recede or advance to create a diagonal compositionwhile maintaining emphasis on a dominant subject
• Create a dynamic photo composition using local architecture. Strive for dynamic angles while maintaining emphasis on a dominant subject

Part 3: Written Essay

Write 3-4 Paragraphs about your images and attempt to cover these topics in your essay:

• Explain how your static images achieve composition
• Explain how your dynamic images achieve composition
• For each image describe the dominant element or point of interest
• Describe how the subordinate elements support the dominant elements in each image
• For each image describe at least 2 elements or principles of art that or being utilized, or any other compositional concept
• Post your essay with your favorite image

Due by next Thursday...

Student Examples: Static

Student Examples: Dynamic

Key Assignment 2: Principles and Elements of Art and Design in Photographic Composition

Art and design elements are the basic units or building blocks of a visual image. The principles of art and design govern the relationships of the elements used and also organize the composition of a visual image as a whole. All imagery, art, design and photography alike, are comprised of elements that can be broken down and analyzed.  Look over these posters, the first addresses the principles, the second addresses the elements and provide visual representations for examples of these concepts. Continue scrolling down for written explanations in more detail. Your second key assignment utilizing this knowledge is listed below...

The Elements of Art and Design

Space: Space refers to the distances or areas around, between or withing components of an image. It can exist in two or three dimensions. Space can refer to positive space(a shape, such as an apple) or negative space (the absence of an apple shape). It can also refer to elements in the foreground, mid or background of an image.

Line: Line is the basic element and refers to the continuous movement of a point along a surface, such as a pencil or brush. Line can also be created by the edges of other shapes. Lines can vary in length, thickness and direction. Line can create style, texture and varying levels of definition or emphasis.

Balance: In the sense of "visual weight" Balance can either be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The balance of an image can affect the focal point of an image. The location of objects, their sizes and colors, textures and shapes all affect the perception of balance in an image. Think of shapes. colors, textures and type as having a "visual weight" and use that sense to "feel" out your design.

Color: Color and particularly, contrasting color is used to draw the eyes attention to certain areas. It can invoke mood and emotion. Color is created in many different ways... but in all color spectrums, there are primary colors, which all other colors are derived from, and secondary and tertiary colors. Certain formula’s exist for choosing colors that are pleasing to the eye, one way is using Complimentary Colors, which appear opposite each other on a color wheel. Colors can be perceived as “Warm” such as reds, yellows and oranges, other colors are “Cool” such as purples, greens and blues.

Shape: Shapes are what give objects their definition. Think of the silhuoette. Shapes can be organic (curved, soft, random) or geometric (angular, sharp, organized, complex).

Texture: Texture is perceived surface quality. In art two types of texture exist, tactile and implied. Tactile texture is the way a surface actually feels, such as sandpaper or tree bark. Implied texture is the way the surface of an object “looks” like it feels. This is created with different pencil and brush techniques. In the modern digital realm, texture is a strong ally in design.

Value: Value is an element that refers to the relationship between light and dark. It can also be referred to as tone or shading. The value of an object helps give it form and depth. 

The Principles of Art and Design

Unity: Unity refers to a sense that everything in a piece of work belongs. It can be referred to in the literal sense of course, or just by the way balance, repetition and other elements acheive a design harmony.

Variety: The use of dissimilar elements. Differences in shape, texture, color, line etc.

Repetition: This refers to the recurrence of elements within a piece. Color, lines, shapes and other elements can be echoed, often with some subtle variation to maintain interest. Repetition can be random or organized, or express rhythm and patterns.

Harmony: Harmony is acheived through the sensitive balance of variety and unity. Harmony in color can be acheived by using complementary or analagous colors. Harmony in design is reflected in consistency in style, similarity of components. Harmony can also extend to the use of texture, color, scale etc.

Contrast: Contrast is the occurrence of differeng elements, such as color, value, scale etc. It creates interest and helps direct the focal point. Contrast helps define depth and space as well. Objects that are closer to use appear lighter, and objects that are farther away often appear darker.

Proximity: This refers to the physical placement of objects or elements in a piece. Proximity is used to communicate ideas like relation, importance or hierarchy.

Proportion: Proportion involves the relationship between objects. It is relative to size and scale. Proper proportion is important in implying realism, and skewing proportion can force the viewers perspective to change. One classical expression of proportion is the “Golden Ratio” in mathematics and the arts. Throughout history, the ratio for length to width of rectangles of 1.6 (roughly) has been considered the most pleasing to the eye. 

This image is at least 6 different principles and elements of art, can you define which ones?

Photo credit: Seth Wilson 2015 "Faire Apples" 

Key Assignment 2 - Explore the Principles and Elements of Art and Design Through the Lens of Photography:

For this assignment you will capture images that demonstrate and emphasis the principles and elements of art and design. You will also present them as a 2 separate photo grids with a short essay describing how each element or principle is being demonstrated.

Simple photo grid created with Fotor. Photo credit: Seth Wilson 2015

Assignment Part A: Capture and Composite Images that Demonstrate Principles of Art Design

• Capture 7 different photos that demonstrate the following principles of art and design:
• Line
• Shape
• Form
• Space
• Color
• Value
• Texture
• Arrange the photos into a grid using photo editing software such as photoshop or lightroom. If you don't have access to that software you can download and install Gimp for free, an open source image editing program, or utilize a simple browser based photo editing website such as Fotor.
• Write at least one sentence that explains each principle and how they are demonstrated or utilized in their corresponding images (You can post the  image to the class Flickr group and attach your essay to the image details or add it as a comment).

Assignment Part B: Capture and Composite Images that Demonstrate Elements of Art Design

• Capture 9 different photos that demonstrate the following principles of art and design:
• Balance
• Harmony
• Rhythm
• Movement
• Emphasis
• Contrast
• Variety
• Unity
• Proportion
• Arrange the photos into a grid using photo editing software such as photoshop or lightroom. If you don't have access to that software you can download and install Gimp for free, an open source image editing program, or utilize a simple browser based photo editing website such as Fotor.
• Write at least one sentence that explains each element and how they are demonstrated or utilized in their corresponding images (You can post the  image to the class Flickr group and attach your essay to the image details or add it as a comment).

This assignment is due and must be ready for review and critique by the next class meeting...