JlMC 310Fundamentals of Photojournalism

Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication

Visual Literacy Vocabulary

In most books and classes, photographic composition is discussed in terms of several rules. For example: 1) Never put the principal subject in the center of the frame. 2) Put something big in the foreground, etc....

We want to look at it from a different approach. How can you construct good pictures? There are two parts to this idea: Visual Elements, Principles of Design

If we think about it as metaphor for a visual language: Visual Elements = Vocabulary = Construction materials Principles of design = Syntax = Blueprints Visual elements:

1. Dot A single point

2. Line Unconnected stroke of pen or pencil

3. Shape When connected, lines make two dimensional shapes.

4. Form When extended in space, shapes have three dimensional form. 5. Texture Simulation of tactile stimuli. Texture bridges the gap between senses of sight and touch, between the eye and finger

6. Tonality Continuum light through gray to dark

7. Directional forces Pointers within a picture that direct eye movement

8. Color can create a mood, add contrast or create harmony among the elements.

Principles of Design

How to organize the visual elements so they cohere. How to create the feeling of unity within a picture.

1. Balance: Distributing the apparent weight of the visual elements prevents the work from appearing lopsided or top heavy. Two kinds of balance:

a. Symmetrical balance Elements of exactly the same visual weight placed on either side of a center line or point. (Centered)

b. Asymmetrical balance Elements of different visual weights arranged to create the feel of balance using size, position, color, etc....

2. Emphasis Focusing on a single, strong visual element unifies a picture’s graphic design.

Emphasis is often achieved through a) placement in the frame, b) contrast of shape, c) contrast of value, d) scale (the relationship between size of an image and of its surroundings), e) light,

3. Economy Eliminating everything not necessary to communicate the information and create the effect clarifies and strengthens the message. [Simplicity] Economy involves the viewer in the creative experience. The less an artist shows us, the more of ourselves we have to bring to a design to give it meaning. [Closure]

4. Repetition Repeating visual elements: lines, forms, textures, etc., creates a powerful attraction. [Pattern]

5. Proportion Arranging the spaces inside the picture so they are in pleasing relationships

6. Unity Arranging the elements and using the other principles of design so the picture coheres–feels like it all belongs together

7. Variety Changing visual elements adds interest. [Contrast] Precise repetition runs the risk of boring the viewer. Slight variations on a central theme, or strong contrasts to that theme are effective.