Key Assignment: 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

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

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.

These student images show repetition, variety, contrast, unity, harmony, proximity

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 by thursday....

Resource - Video Lecture on Principles and Elements in Photography:

Student Work Examples:

New Assignment: Rule Of Thirds

Rule Of Thirds Project Details:

Your next assignment is to compose 3 different images that demonstrate the rule of thirds. Your images must be properly lit, have the right levels of exposure and must be in focus. You must apply the Rule Of Thirds to each images composition. Try to compose your image in camera, and only crop your image if needed. These must be new images, not previous work examples.

You can shoot any subject you like, such as landscape, portraiture, still life. 

You should shoot many images and choose the best... on average you should shoot about 15-20 shots and choose the single best example from each set.

Assignment Deliverables:

1- Three images that demonstrate the use of the Rule of Thirds in their composition. Each image must be a different subject matter, the subjects could be landscape imagery, portrait, still life etc.

2- Written Synopsis of the Rule of Thirds as you interpret it. Write a short description of this principle and how you used it in your images. Tell me what/where the focus point in each image is... where is the eye drawn to?

Grading:

• Your work will be evaluated on its ability to demonstrate this principal in a creative and informative fashion and to meet all deliverables on time.
• Image enhancement (color, B&W, color tweaking) is allowed as long as it enhances and does not detract from clearly demonstrating the principal. 
• These images must not be over or underexposed and must be in focus. Use a tripod to ensure a jitter/blur free image.
• Your images must demonstrate proper exposure techniques

Deadline:

This assignment is due at end of class Monday.

Links:

Tutorial: How to Crop an Image in Photoshop with the Rule of Thirds

Reading: Cambridge in Colour - Rule of Thirds

Rule of Thirds Lecture Review:

Have fun with your new assignment!

  - Mr. W

Static and Dynamic Composition Project

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".

Static and Dynamic Composition Assignment:

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/classroom 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 2-3 Paragraphs about your images and attempt to cover these topics, include this with your blog post:

• 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 thursday...

Student Examples: Static

Student Examples: Dynamic

Principles of Exposure: ISO and Noise

Assignment: Understanding ISO

Students, your new assignment is a challenge for you to demonstrate an understanding of ISO and how to adjust both Aperture and Shutter Speed to maintain proper Exposure across multiple ISO settings. In this assignment you will find a still life subject, and shoot 4 images that have similar exposures but increase in ISO. Little change should be seen in light/dark values, only additional grain/noise should be noticed as increasing. Overlay your images as shown below and document your exposure settings.

Assignment Deliverables:

Part A:

1. Produce a series of images (4) that demonstrate the impact that ISO has on the noise in an image while maintaining consistent exposure. Choose a creative still life subject and produce 4 images showing the range of ISO settings from low to high. Mimic the ISO Comparison images above. You will need to adjust either shutter speed or aperture to keep even exposure, don't let the different examples get darker or lighter.
2. Compile the images in slices to show the even exposure levels, as illustrated above. Use the selection tools to reveal each slice and add text details and focus on quality of presentation for your test image

Part B: 

1. Written Synopsis of the Exposure Principals. Write a short 3 paragraph description of the three principals of exposure, shutter speed, aperture and iso, what they mean and how you utilize them in photography. 
2. Post your essay to your blog with 1 image you have taken that demonstrates each exposure principal (use your ISO test image you created for ISO demonstration)

Difficulties?
Try this exposure calculator to find your equivalent exposure across a range of ISO's

- Due on Tuesday

- Mr.W

Principles of Exposure: Aperture, depth of field, focus and value

Exposure: Aperture

Notice in this chart that the wider apertures have a narrow DOF, while the smaller aperture has a larger DOF. Additionally the shutter speed must be sped up or slowed down depending on aperture setting.

Aperture is a mechanical feature on the camera lens that adjusts the amount of light that is let into the camera. The size of the aperture also changes the depth of field range, a term for the area of an image that is in focus. 

A larger aperture will create a narrow depth of field and allow the maximum amount of light in the camera, so a faster shutter speed may be used. This is great for artistic images, street photography, portraiture and still life. The depth of field can be very slim with a wide open aperture resulting in more emphasis on the subject.

A smaller aperture is used when the depth of field must be wider. This also allows a sharper image to be captured because the flatter part of the lens is being used... resulting in less distortion fringing of details. Great for images that need increased detail, landscapes, nature photography, architecture.

When a smaller aperture is being used to control depth of field, adjusting the focus on the lens can change the position of the DOF. You can move the DOF closer or farther away. Many lenses will focus automatically, but you can disable that to adjust the focus yourself.

Our artistic element of the week is "Value". Value refers to the tonal quality of an image, tonal quality is, IMHOP best evaluated through a black and white image. If you shoot in black and white or experiment with black and white conversion with an image editing program, you will learn to see opportunities for good value in b&w photography. Good tonal quality should show as many levels of value as possible, from bright to dark and everything in between.

Key Assignment 6: Aperture and Value

Students, your new assignment is to develop an understanding and demonstrate control of depth of field. Additionally we are focusing on value in photography by shooting black and white imagery.  All elements due in 1 week.

Assignment Deliverables: 

1- Depth of Field Portrait: Create 2-3 portraits that demonstrate depth of field. Use a wide open aperture setting and look for good backgrounds for your subjects

2- Near/Far Focus: Arrange 2 people 10 feet apart from each other. Produce 1 image that shows the subject closest to you in focus, then change your focus to show the subject farthest away from you in focus.

3- Value/Contrast through B&W: Set your camera to shoot in Black and White only. Take 1 photo each day of the week that captures "value". Look for interesting compositions, light, contrast, patterns. You will need to shoot many images and experiment so you can learn to "see" in B&W value. Post your best 5 photos to your blog.

- Mr.W