Transcript Elements of Design Presentation

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
from
LEARNING TO SEE CREATIVELY
by
BRYAN PETERSON
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Elements of Design
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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 experience
 Jagged line can symbolize fear
 Also energy and power
Symbolism of line direction
 Horizontal – tranquility, stability
 Vertical – pride, dignity
 Diagonal – 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 line
 Is 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 lit
 Contrast between light and dark areas gives a shape
its form
 Forms 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 response
 Feelings 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 natural
 Attracted to patterns because the order they present
is comforting
Photographing Patterns
 To create, fill the frame
 Use 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, aggression
 Blue – most recessive, coolest tone
 Green – symbol of fertility, new beginnings,
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environment
Yellow – cheerful, cowardly
Orange – cheerful, warmth
Purple – symbol of royalty
White – pureness
Black – mystery, emptiness, death
Color
Color
Color
Color
Color
Color
Color