Gestalt Theory
We talked a lot about the Gestalt Theory in class this week -- here's what I got!
When faced with a visually chaotic scene, our brains are hardwired to simplify things into recognizable patterns and shapes. We can use these 'hardwirings' to our advantage, to create more pleasing/easily read compositions in photography.
This article pretty much sums it up, but here's the short version
The rules for better photographical composition:
1. Proximity to Subject: A pair of group of objects that are close to one another are more likely to be seen as 'belonging together' than if they are apart from one another
2. Similarity: Objects that are similar in shape, size, or color are seen as one unit, belonging together.
3. Leading Lines/Closure: The mind will complete a partial shape within a composition.
4. Simplicity: The mind will perceive parallel lines which are close together as one line
5. Continuation/Leading Lines: The mind assumes that lines extend beyond the edges of our photo frame. This helps us determine the depth/size in images.
6. Identity/Segregation: Human figures will only be recognizable if they stand out from the background they're placed in. We will not identify bodies easily if they're in small within a frame, or too similar in color to our non-subjects.
7. Emergence: It takes a while to notice all of the small workings within an image. A viewer might not notice the detail/quirky small objects in a photo of clutter, however over a period of study the objects will suddenly emerge to them.
When faced with a visually chaotic scene, our brains are hardwired to simplify things into recognizable patterns and shapes. We can use these 'hardwirings' to our advantage, to create more pleasing/easily read compositions in photography.
This article pretty much sums it up, but here's the short version
The rules for better photographical composition:
1. Proximity to Subject: A pair of group of objects that are close to one another are more likely to be seen as 'belonging together' than if they are apart from one another
2. Similarity: Objects that are similar in shape, size, or color are seen as one unit, belonging together.
3. Leading Lines/Closure: The mind will complete a partial shape within a composition.
4. Simplicity: The mind will perceive parallel lines which are close together as one line
5. Continuation/Leading Lines: The mind assumes that lines extend beyond the edges of our photo frame. This helps us determine the depth/size in images.
6. Identity/Segregation: Human figures will only be recognizable if they stand out from the background they're placed in. We will not identify bodies easily if they're in small within a frame, or too similar in color to our non-subjects.
7. Emergence: It takes a while to notice all of the small workings within an image. A viewer might not notice the detail/quirky small objects in a photo of clutter, however over a period of study the objects will suddenly emerge to them.
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