If you have more than one point or elements, the same principal applies: try to place the key elements so they all have unequal distances between them and the surrounding frame. Generally speaking, key points or elements will be most effective when they are positioned so that there is an unequal distance from each side of the frame. The placement of the element greatly affects how we view and feel about it within the frame.

The point can be represented by a selected element or the main subject in a picture - a bird, person, animal, tree, a building and so on. The simplest element of design is a point, which can be large or small. This involves learning the vocabulary of design, viewing examples of artwork that utilize effective design elements, and actively implementing the critical components of design into the process of photography.Īurora borealis over Prelude Lake outside Yellowknife with the silhouette of my wife standing in the lake. To create effective images, a photographer must understand the way people respond to various kinds of visual organization and colour. This is why one single picture often evokes a broad variety of responses from different viewers. In many ways, the audience’s response to a given image will often depend on their past experiences (memory), interests, and personal taste and preferences. While studying the basic elements of visual design and understanding how they work will help new photographers improve their composition, just following suggested guidelines does not guarantee success. Capturing a “feeling” and your viewers’ attention is a demanding task that requires practice, experimentation and study. While this is undoubtedly important, mastering the basic operation should always go hand-in-hand with directing one’s attention on seeing and composing effective images. Many photographers purchasing a new camera are preoccupied with learning its many various features and controls. 'He who loves practice without theory is like the sailor who boards ship without a rudder and compass and never knows where he may cast.' There are many places where the eagle will work, but the center of the pictures is usually not one of them as it is too symmetrical. Elements of Design and Composition in PhotographyĪ simple guide is to place your subject an unequal distance from all sides of the frame.

Line as element of design