Principles of Design

Photography

What are the Principles?

• Contrast

• Rhythm

• Unity

• Movement

• Pattern

• Emphasis

• Balance

Contrast: difference between elements, such as color, texture,

value and shape.

Contrast: What

element is contrasting

in this photo?

Rhythm: the way elements

combine to produce the

appearance of movement in an artwork.

Describe how this shows

rhythm…

It is all about repeating shapes, lines, and textures.

Unity: the sense of wholeness which results from the successful combination

of the elements of art.

Similar shapes, colors, value,

textures and lines

create unity.

Movement: the arrangement of parts in an artwork to create a sense of motion to the

viewer’s eye through the work.

Movement is directly related to

rhythm and dynamics.

Remember, implied lines direct the viewer’s eye.

Pattern: the repetition of the elements of art in an artwork.

Pattern and Rhythm both rely on repeating elements.

The difference is pattern does not focus on

repeating elements to

make movement.

Emphasis: the arrangement of

parts in an artwork to

create a feeling of dominance

and importance on a particular

area.

Similar to dynamics

and movement, implied or

actual lines can point to the area of emphasis.

Using lines and shapes to “frame” an area can also create emphasis.

Balance: the arrangement of elements to create stability in an

artwork.

Symmetrical balance involves elements mirroring

each other.

Usually the image can be folded in half and be the

same of both sides.

Asymmetrical balance is a “feeling” of

balance based on

similar visual weight.

Your Assignment:• Choose a theme. Take at least 2

photographs of each principle of design that pertain to your theme. (14 minimum)

• Edit your photographs.

• Save photos into a folder labeled “name principles”

• Complete a critical analysis on one of your photos. (I will print one photo).