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