1. Pattern—organized repetition of art elements like colors, shapes & lines create a rhythm in an image...Tip: the key to pattern is repetition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Unity—all individual parts support and relate to each other to harmonize & make a single cohesive image...Tip: remember that too much unity makes an image boring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Variety—using different elements that are unrelated and diverse to create more contrast and emotion in an image...Tip: remember that too much variety makes an image distracting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Movement—2 forms: (1)how a viewer’s eyes travels through an image (i.e. using leading lines), and  (2) any actual (or implied) motion of the elements within an image...Tip: movement is key to keeping a viewer’s attention and interest as they take a journey through the image

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Emphasis—the main focus of a photograph that is communicated to the viewer …this can be done by making your emphasis point either (1) most in focus, (2) largest, (3) most colorful, or (4) brightest part of the image (this one works well to help bring out more of the element of value in an image)...Tip: Over-emphasize the subject of the image using as many of these methods of emphasis (achieving all 4 is best!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Proportion—creates frame of reference for the viewer of the actual real-life size, scale, & distance of objects within an image (i.e….placing a person in an image shows size). It also includes purposefully omitting clues of size, scale, and distance to create an illusion that something is bigger than it truly is...Tip: try to include hints as to the size of the subject in the image…but remember, sometimes it might be more powerful to hide the true size of the subject from the viewer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Symmetrical Balance—balance of elements is equal on both sides: centered left & right, and/or centered top & bottom of an image...Tip: symmetrical balance  is easily created as a mirror image in a composition or an when an object is placed directly in the c8. Radial Balance—occurs when the elements radiate from a central point of an image…this usually shows forceful or highly focused movement...Tip: radial balance is easily created in an image of a wheel or flower

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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8. Radial Balance—occurs when the elements radiate from a central point of an image…this usually shows forceful or highly focused movement...Tip: radial balance is easily created in an image of a wheel or flower

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Asymmetrical Balance—elements in an image appear “out of balance” but actually do have an order based on the Rule of Thirds—divide a photo into equal thirds, both horizontally & vertically, which creates a tic-tac-toe like grid...Tip: the elements that appear at the intersections of these grid lines in composition always appear more appealing and artistic to a viewer by building more of the element of value (“pop”) in an image

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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