Design+Principles

Alana - Design Principles

**Using colour contrast to make the focus of the image stand out and to create visual interest.**
This image gives me a sense of relief. The monks are escaping to a "better world", and the setting of this photo gives off a safe, and tranquil vibe. This photo is balanced because of it's colour. The orange robes contrast against the soft green colour of the walls, the light brown tree trunk, and the cool gray rocks. The two figures are off centered, following the rule of thirds. The lighting is natural, and it is most likely the late morning, or early afternoon. The use of texture is primarily shown on the walls, tree, and rocks. The wall has an intricate design, softened by years of erosion. The tree trunk is rough, and the rocks showcase their sharp edges and smooth surfaces. The focus of the image is on the monks. Their bright orange robes stand out against the soft natural palate of the background and foreground. The wall of this building becomes the background of the photo. It adds visual interest, but does not take away from the contrast or focus of the image. This photo is about two monks fleeing from war. There are horrific events happening in such serene looking environments.

Serra da Leba, Angola
//Photograph by Kostadin Luchansky//

**Using a curved line to move the viewer's point of focus around the photo.**
This image makes me feel like I'm standing infront of some impossible task. At first, the light reminded me of fire, or lava flowing over a dark landscape. It has a spooky feeling, but it is also rather awe-inspiring. This photo is balanced because of the postitve and negative space created by the contrast between light and darkness. The source of light is the headlights of two cars; one coming towards the camera, and one heading away from it. The texture in this photo comes from the fog welling up over the road. It softens the light, and creates a mysterious effect. The focus of this photo is the streak of light created by the cars as they drive along the winding road. The background is the dark sky behind the mountain. Most of the image is very dark, and it plays with contrast against the streak of light that stands out as it winds its way up and down this scene. This photo is all about showcasing the incredible winding, dipping, and curving road in Angola and it's beauty.

Waikawau Bay, New Zealand
//Photograph by Steve Burling.//

This photo makes me feel like I could run out onto the sand (covered with a shallow layer of sand) and "touch" the sky. It gives me a sense of optimism, and hope. This picture is balanced symmetrically across the horizontal axis. The mirror image of the clouds provides a geometric equality to the image. The natural sunlight it used to illuminate this photo. You can see the sun's rays peaking out from behind the clouds on the left side of the image. The use of texture is mainly found in the water's surface. It's glassy surface reflects the sky, and the clouds are lively looking. The focus of this photo is primarily on the reflection of the clouds. The many parts leading off of the central point make your eye follow them, and explore the rest of the image. I would consider the background to be the plain blue sky in the very top, and sides of this image. It creates a simplistic canvas for the main focus to really stand out on. This image is about the reflection of the sky. It remided the photographer of " the symmetrical paintings I did at primary school where you painted one side then folded the paper in half."
 * Balance:**
 * The arrangement of complimenting colours, shapes, or light (through symmetrical, or nonsymetrical balance) to establish the feeling that every object is in it's place.**

** Creating a frame around the subject to direct attention, or to create depth/perspective. **
This picture makes me wonder what/who is behind the wall. Who is looking out? The frame is set on the left side of the image, following the rule of thirds (creating balance). This photo uses natural light. You can see a slight patch of light in the bottom left corner of the frame, leading me to think that the sun is positioned in the north west. The use of texture is most evident in the foreground. The wall is chipped away, leaving the brickwork exposed. This, combined with the worn appearance of the wall, creates a rough texture that contrasts against the soft, leafy texture of the grasslands and trees seen through the frame. The foreground is a dominating feature in this picture, but it is not the focus; the background is. The background is what is seen through the frame created by the wall. This photo is about .......

African Lion Cub
//Photograph by Beverly Joubert//

[[image:lion-cub-standing-on-rock_27535_600x450.jpg width="480" height="360"]]
This photo make me feel like the cub is staring me directly in the eyes, and although alert and curious, it seems to me that it wants to play. It makes me feel happy in general. This picture is balanced because the cub's eyes are in the top third of the picture. Natural sunlight is used, creating soft lighting on the animal. The texture of this picture is mainly displayed by the cub and the soil it is standing upon. You can almost feel the softness of it's fur, and the parched feel of the soil. The focus of this image is clearly on the lion cub, but more specifically it's eyes and face. The eyes of an animal show life, and the face show expression, which in this case, is playful. The background of this photo is blurred. The depth of field is very short, and the lush green colour provides a backdrop and emphasizes the main focus of this image. This photo is all about the lion cub and how it's innocence and curiosity is captured. This was found in a campaign for saving wild cats/cubs. Instead of seeing the danger and the hunter-like qualities, we see a different side of this cub's life.

This image reminds me of when I take photos with my uncle, who is a nature and wildlife photographer. The snow on the bank, and the stillness of the water calms me. This picture is balanced symmetrically across the horizontal axis. The mirror image of the bird provides a geometric equality to the image. Soft natural sunlight is used to light the photo. There are many different textures used in this photo. The glassy, smooth, surface of the water, the soft, rugged, plants in the background, and the sleek feathers are all used to compose this picture. The focus of this image is the bird and it's reflection. Your eye is moved around by the use of triangles, from corner, to corner. There are two distinct areas of background in this image. The river bank, and the water reflecting the sky. The majority of the picture is set on the water, creating a simple background that does not tae away from the focus. This picture is about the bird fishing for a meal. It's grace is showcased through the elegant lines of it's legs, and the ripples around them.
 * Triangles: **
 * Using triangular composition forces the viewer's eye to wander from corner to corner, exploring the image. **

This picture makes me want to travel to a small town, somewhere in a European countryside. It makes me happy, and I can almost smell the sweet fragrance of the violet flowers sweeping across my face. The subject in this photo appears on the left side, following the rule of thirds, which blances the photo. If there were another object on the right, it would look out of place. This image uses spacial balance. The most likely source of lighting would be the natural light of the sun in the north east. It creates a slight shadow underneath the window's ledge. The wall (used as a simplistic background) is covered in a rough plaster has smoothed by age and weather, and the flower box is overflowing with tiny, soft petals. The focus of this photo is the window. It is a simple focus, bringing your eye directly to the object. The colours of this window and it's flower basket add visual interest. The neutral background provides a "blank canvas" and does not create a visual distraction from the main focus. This photo is about the window as a part of the architecture of a beautiful cottage or home in a European countryside.
 * Simple and Single Point: **
 * C **** reates emphasis on the subject. The simplicity draws attention to the focal point and it becomes easy for the viewer to distinguish the story behind a photo. **