Elements and principles of design
Elements of Design
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Line: This is a mark with greater length than width. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, straight, or curved.
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Shape: An enclosed space defined by a line. Shapes can be geometric (such as circles, squares, and triangles) or organic (like shapes found in nature).
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Colour: This can set a mood, draw attention, or make a statement. It can be used to enhance contrast and evoke emotion.
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Texture: This pertains to the surface quality, either the way something looks or feels. It can be rough, smooth, soft, hard, glossy etc.
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Form: This relates to three-dimensional objects, including its volume and density. Form can be viewed from many angles.
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Space: The area around, within or between images or components. Space can be both positive or negative.
Principles of Design
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Balance: This gives a design its form and stability, it can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
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Contrast: A big difference between two things in a design to create variety and interest. Often seen with colours, textures and shapes.
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Emphasis: The point of focus in a design. This is where viewer's eyes are drawn to first.
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Movement: The path a viewer's eye takes through an artwork, directed by visual elements and principles of design.
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Pattern: This is repetition of specific visual elements in a consistent manner.
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Rhythm: A visual tempo or beat often achieved through repetition of directional lines, shapes, colours or forms.
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Unity: The relationship among the elements and principles of design that makes them feel like they belong together. This creates a sense of completeness.
The Role of Design in Photography
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Applying elements and principles of design in photography helps to create a more engaging image and leads the viewer's eyes across an image in a deliberate way.
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Understanding these elements provides a common language to express visual ideas and concepts and to critique others' work.
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Composition, achieved through application of these elements and principles, is critical to creating compelling images.
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Photography is a visual medium and successfully using design concepts greatly enhances the power of visual communication.
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Images with careful design considerations often elicit a stronger emotional response and have a more profound impact on the viewer.