1. Pattern—organized repetition of art elements like colors, shapes & lines create a rhythm in an image...Tip: the key to pattern is repetition
This image uses pattern in the way the leaves roots go from the middle to the side of the leaf, all of them looking identical.
2. Unity—all individual parts support and relate to each other to harmonize & make a single cohesive image...Tip: remember that too much unity makes an image boring
This image uses unity because the lines either go vertically or horizontally making the image flow well.
3. Variety—using different elements that are unrelated and diverse to create more contrast and emotion in an image...Tip: remember that too much variety makes an image distracting
4. Movement—2 forms: (1)how a viewer’s eyes travels through an image (i.e. using leading lines), and (2) any actual (or implied) motion of the elements within an image...Tip: movement is key to keeping a viewer’s attention and interest as they take a journey through the image
This image shows movement because your eyes travel as the water travels starting from the water fountain.
5. Emphasis—the main focus of a photograph that is communicated to the viewer …this can be done by making your emphasis point either (1) most in focus, (2) largest, (3) most colorful, or (4) brightest part of the image (this one works well to help bring out more of the element of value in an image)...Tip: Over-emphasize the subject of the image using as many of these methods of emphasis (achieving all 4 is best!)
My subject in the image is emphasized because it is the most colorful thing in the picture, and that is why i chose a soft color background for the picture, to make the flower stand out to the viewer.
6. Proportion—creates frame of reference for the viewer of the actual real-life size, scale, & distance of objects within an image (i.e….placing a person in an image shows size). It also includes purposefully omitting clues of size, scale, and distance to create an illusion that something is bigger than it truly is...Tip: try to include hints as to the size of the subject in the image…but remember, sometimes it might be more powerful to hide the true size of the subject from the viewer
In this picture, you can tell the proportion of the orange because of the fence holes in the back.
7. Symmetrical Balance—balance of elements is equal on both sides: centered left & right, and/or centered top & bottom of an image...Tip: symmetrical balance is easily created as a mirror image in a composition or an when an object is placed directly in the center
The image shows symmetrical balance because the mushroom is centered in the picture.
8. Radial Balance—occurs when the elements radiate from a central point of an image…this usually shows forceful or highly focused movement...Tip: radial balance is easily created in an image of a wheel or flower
This image has radial balance because of the center of the flower. Movement starts from there and moves out to the tip of the flower.
9. Asymmetrical Balance—elements in an image appear “out of balance” but actually do have an order based on the Rule of Thirds—divide a photo into equal thirds, both horizontally & vertically, which creates a tic-tac-toe like grid...Tip: the elements that appear at the intersections of these grid lines in composition always appear more appealing and artistic to a viewer by building more of the element of value (“pop”) in an image
