A L E X A N D R I A M I S T H O S – O C T O B E R 2 0 1 1 – P H O T O 1

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

SHAPE / FORM

• Definition: an area that stands out from the spaces around it due to differences of value, color, or texture.

LEADING LINES

• Definition: used to draw the viewer’s eye through the photo; intentional/unintentional, natural lines

TEXTURE

• Definition: perceived surface quality

COLOR

• Definition: used to draw attention to a particular part of the image.

SYMMETRICAL BALANCE

• Definition: having equal “weight” on both sides of a picture.

ASYMMETRICAL BALANCE

• Definition: objects in a photo are placed so that the viewer’s sense of balance comes into play

GRADIENT

• Definition: a color or grey tone that changes in density.

REPETITION

• Definition: the appearance of a given element in the same frame more than once.

PATTERN

• Definition: the repetition of an element in a work

CONTRAST

• Definition: the difference in visual properties that makes an object distinguishable from other objects and the background.

DOMINANCE

• Definition: when certain elements take on more importance than others in the same picture

PROPORTION

• Definition: lends a sense of balance and harmony to the picture

UNITY

• Definition: a feeling of completeness is created by the use of elements in artwork

NEGATIVE SPACE

• Definition: neutral space used to emphasize and isolate the subject

RULE OF THIRDS

• Definition: explains what part of an image the human eye is most strongly drawn to first

VISUAL CENTER

• Definition: where the focal or center point of each picture falls