Design+Principles

Seven photos with seven different design principles:

1. Depth This photo is a good example of Depth as a design principle because it has multiple layers to it. The viewer sees not only the sidewalk where the doorway is, but also the balcony and past that to the city beyond. However the city and balcony views are limited by the temple doorway giving the view only a sense of what the scene actually portrays. The picture lets me feel the fight between tradition and the burgeoning city and how some people are accepting both into their lives. This picture is well balanced both geometrically as well as in colour. Blue and orange, as well as red and green are on opposite sides of the spectrum creating a nice contrast. The temple is well balanced itself in the way that if you were to cut it down the middle the sides would be almost mirror images. The contrast between the traditional doorway and the urban city also adds some balance to the composition. The lighting in this picture is not the best, it is rather white and gives the composition the idea of being over exposed. However, because of the vibrant colours the lighting may be overlooked. The textures in this photo are interesting because of the many tiles and shingles giving the picture a rough look, while the pavement and the walls of the building provide a smooth contrast.

2. Planes and Depth Levels There are many different levels to this picture. The covered archway where the photo was taken from, the open street where the car is parked, the pillars and the statue just beyond that on the sidewalk, another covered archway, and past that another sidewalk with a gated archway after that. The pillars set at right angles to the sidewalk and the road give the viewer a sense of 3 dimension. The warm enveloping light makes the statue even more of a focal point while the contrasting blue light makes the old paint appear more faded then it actually is a creates a nostalgic feeling. The car adds direct contrast to the statue and the old style pillars which further compliments the blue light. The pillars and the archways balance the picture especially as the statue is in the middle. It is hard to truly say what the background is as the statue is the main focus and it is set fairly far back, and because there is no true horizon line. The designs on top of the archway creates an interesting texture as does the sculpting around the base of the statue.

3. Dynamic "S" Arrangement The "S" shape is created from the palm trees growing along a dried up riverbed. This causes the eye to move over and around the picture and eventually off the page. The texture in this picture is especially strong, creating a sense of fuzzy and furry textiles. The tops of the palm trees and their "dresses" cause this soft texture while the hills in the background looks more prickly. This picture reminds me of a time long ago. You can almost expect to see a dinosaur or a tribe of prehistoric humans coming up over the hill. The light is coming from overhead and to the left, highlighting the tops of the palm trees and casting small shadows. There is not one single focus in this picture, rather all of the palm trees are in focus. The background to the picture is not very contrasting; the colours are the same and the texture is similar. However, this captures what most of the land looks like.

4. Triangles The heads of the three subjects create the main triangle, which is mirrored by two of the subjects legs. The light is coming from directly to the front of the subjects casting few shadows and highlighting their faces. The light is not very warm and looks to be a bit too strong to create a perfectly dynamic photo. The tree and the building in the background creates a nice contrast, while the people standing around the fountain are emphasized by their clothes. The diagonal lines in the railing draws the eye to the main subject as do the stone walls.

5. Element Relationship The focus leaning against the door provides a direct contrast to the mural of people playing sports. The bright yellow highlights the darkness of the subject and provides even more contrast between the focus and the mural. The photo allows you to feel the subjects disconnect from the rest of the world and the angle of the picture adds a level of surreality. I like this picture because it is very striking and has enough interest that the eye lingers.

6. Simple and Single Point This picture demonstrates simple and single point well as there is no clutter. There is only the focus and the simple black background. This draws the eye to the focus immediately and does not detract from it. The black background with the white lily in front are very stark and the orange stem sticking up from the lily is a direct contrast that provides movement within the picture. The light emphasizes the white of the flower and is coming from the left. I love this photo because of the water droplets, they add a certain delicacy to the composition that could otherwise have been lost. The photo makes me feel awe for the beauty of nature and the curves of the flower are very soothing. The simplicity of the picture makes it balanced, there is no need for anything else in the picture. The water droplets also add a certain texture that contrasts with the smoothness of the petals and makes the picture more interesting as a whole.

7. Framing This photo is a good use of framing as a design principle as the subject is framed by the curtains. This picture makes me feel nostalgic and wistful, this is accomplished as the subject is gazing out of a window at the ocean. The photo is very dark and mostly black and white, the only colour comes from the curtains and the only light comes from the window which further frames the subject. I like the contrast of the subjects figure against the ocean as well as the texture created by her hair and the curtains. It is a very soft picture which is at odds with the sharp blacks and whites, but adds to the wistful feeling. This photo is nicely balanced with the curtains on either side of the subject as well as a flower to the left and a lamp to the right. However the picture seems to be a little off kilter, and could be straightened for a more poignant effect.