التوازن والـنــــــســب .. التكوين .. العناصر الأساسية للصورة .. كتاب التصوير الضوئي

Balance and proportions .. Composition .. Basic elements of the image .. Book of photography

Balance and proportions

The large areas of the image, which we call blocks, must be arranged in a way that produces a sense of balance: dark areas contrast with bright areas, simple shapes stand out in comparison with complex compositions, highly detailed surfaces contrast with empty spaces, etc. In addition, these areas can be linked to each other and to the main subject by other elements such as perspective, color, composition, and the presence of horizontal or vertical lines. In this way, importance is given to another part of the image.

A very effective method is to place the main subject (or the main part of the subject) at one of the intersections of the lines that divide the length and width of the image into three equal parts, but it results in a very classic composition. The oblique lines lead the eye outside the frame of the image, and this effect can be reflected by the introduction of horizontal or vertical lines, for example, provided by trees or building walls. The use of these lines requires attention because vertical lines in the first plane act as a visual barrier, especially if they extend to the entire height of the image.

If you can photograph the main subject from a place where it is in the frame of the first plane - an arch, a door frame or a window - you highlight the center of interest. The size of the image is also important in relation to the content of this image, as the goal is to achieve unity in composition and atmosphere in the composition.

Balance of mass with detail

Knowing that the old lady is the subject of this image, she occupies only one sixth of the space. The brick facade suggests the unity and misery of this urban environment. This sense of the location of the center of interest is disproportionate.

Hasselblad telephoto lens 1/125 sec aperture 8 panatomic X.

Giving the staircase

The natural heights of the trees and the church have become small in relation to the cooling towers. I wanted to show the unreasonable and exhausting climate of the industrial environment.

Hasselblad telephoto lens.

Main subject and proportions

Here the main subject - the dog - occupies only a small part of the picture. The surface next to the door forms a simple and balanced scene in relation to the centre of attention.
Leica M2
1/60 sec aperture 8 Kodak Tri X

Balance of large figures

The two figures, the tree trunk and the man (Graham Suterland) are carefully arranged opposite each other to give the effect of visual counterbalance. The picture is perfectly balanced as a whole. The tree trunk with its twisted shapes is very expressive because it symbolises the natural forms in which Suterland finds his inspiration. The colour tones in the picture are emphasised by the use of a yellow filter that strengthens the intensity of the cloudy sky.
Rolliflex 1/125 sec aperture 11 sec natomic X

Using the first surface

The face is in shadow and the back surface is in the sun. The main subject appears clearly in an environment that is intended to be blurred. By eliminating the sense of depth, I gave all the importance to the details of the face.
Hasselblad: 1/125 sec 4.5 x panoramic aperture.