From LEARNING TO SEE CREATIVELY by BRYAN PETERSON ELEMENTS OF DESIGN

f romLEARNING TO SEE CREATIVELY

byBRYAN PETERSON

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN

Too many points of interest often result in confusion

Zoom in or move closer

Change your point of view

Elements of Design

Line Shape Form Texture Pattern Color

Every photo has at least one element and each often has symbolic value, especially line, shape and color

Line

Can symbolize wisdom or experienceJagged line can symbolize fearAlso energy and power

Symbolism of line direction

Horizontal – tranquility, stabilityVertical – pride, dignityDiagonal – movement, speed

Lines have visual weight

Thick lines – greater strength than thin

Curvilinear Lines

Signify Motion Growth Meandering direction Restfulness or restlessness

Line

Line

Line

Line

Line

Shape

Is a closed lineIs the principal element of identification

Shapes

Squares and rectangles – stability, man-made world

Triangles – strength, feelings of permanence, endurance, weight

Inverted triangles – instability, lightness, impermanence

Shapes (cont)

S shapes – subtle motion, growth, restfulness Symbolize – water, plant growth, music

Circle – sun, moon, earth, planets Evokes feelings of completion, universality, wholeness,

warmth

Photographing Shapes

Lighting Back lit, creates silhouette Front lit, head on Strong contrast with surroundings

Best time Hour before/after sunrise Hour before/after sunset

Shapes

Shapes

Shapes

Shapes

Shapes

Form

A shape that is side litContrast between light and dark areas gives

a shape its formForms are 3 dimensional, shapes are 2

dimensional

Types of Forms

Hard-edged, man made Squared, rectangular, circular, triangular Are aggressive, decisive, rigid

Natural, organic Round, curving, meandering Are quieter, lighter, free flowing

Photographing Forms

Sunny OK but usually side lit to see shadows

Form

Form

Form

Texture

Types of texture Smooth Soft Silky Rough Coarse Jagged

Texture

Invites a high degree of viewer responseFeelings of texture evoke memories and

strong emotions

Textures

Textures

Textures

Textures

Textures

Pattern

Lines, shapes, forms or textures repeated at regular intervals

Both man-made and naturalAttracted to patterns because the order they

present is comforting

Photographing Patterns

To create, fill the frameUse macro or telephoto lens

Patterns

Patterns

Patterns

Patterns

Patterns

Patterns

Color

Adds a range of emotional tones Passive to aggressive Cheerful to mysterious

Color - Symbol and Meaning

Red – most advancing color, aggressionBlue – most recessive, coolest toneGreen – symbol of fertility, new beginnings,

environmentYellow – cheerful, cowardlyOrange – cheerful, warmthPurple – symbol of royaltyWhite – purenessBlack – mystery, emptiness, death

Color

Color

Color

Color

Color

Color

Color