#6

“Shooting photographs allows you to see picturesque details in everyday scenes.” – Jim Krause in Photo Idea Index

Jim Krause gives a rousing panoramic of the field of photography, stating that it more than a tool of documentation but one for visual exploration. He lists what he considers to be the main elements of photography.

The first element of great photography outlined is symmetry and asymmetry.  Symmetry in photography is creating an image which can be divided in two (either horizontally or vertically) equal parts where both the parts of the image look same or at least similar. Either of the parts can be a mirror image of the other one. Symmetry has been used in other visual mediums since long back. Symmetry brings the sense of unanimity and harmony. Symmetry can be either vertical, in which the left and right halves will be symmetrical or horizontal, in which the top and bottom halves will be symmetrical. Symmetry requires an eye-catching point of interest and a powerful composition. Without these two elements, it cannot hold the viewer’s attention for long. Achieving symmetry in an unexpected scene can make very appealing photography subjects. Kraus states that people are naturally drawn to symmetry and find it beautiful.

The second element is repetition. Repetition is a basic concept in the world of art. If you want to make a statement, you repeat certain elements again and again. If you repeat something once or twice it becomes more interesting. If you repeat something many times it becomes a pattern and takes on a life of its own. Patterns give us order in an otherwise chaotic world. There’s something fundamentally pleasing about seeing order in such a way that we know what to expect. In most cases, repetition is a tool used to calm the viewer, making them feel comfortable and at peace while enjoying the view.

The third element is framing. Framing is simply using other objects in your photograph to frame the main subject. This is probably one of the easier composition techniques in photography. Framing brings more depth to the picture and a better focus on what the main subject is. It should all be relevant to the main subject.

Close up photography, or macro photography as it's technically known, is a fascinating way of seeing your subject from a totally new viewpoint. By moving in closer you start to see new details that were just a blur of colours from a distance, and the world of nature, for one, takes on a whole new look. Close up photography allows you to shoot things that you may not have previously thought possible. It provide the viewer with a surreal and unique perspective of the world.

Although there are many other elements of photography covered my favorite had to be that of movement. By moving the camera special effects may be achieved. The movement or energy that the photographer is feeling can be translated into a shot. A slower shutter speed on a camera can be used to blur a moving object. Special effects can either have the subject blurred or in sharp focus, the same is true with the background.

These is great reading for starting to understand and appreciate the capturing of a moment; photography in all its elements and techniques.