Geometry
Thru Composition
rectangles
Using rectangles is a close likeness
to Rule of Thirds.
However, rather than keeping
each section of your frame equal,
you can use rectangles of varying
sizes to place your subject.
digital-photography-school.com
rectangles
In this image the rectangles make up the bottom half of the frame,
and the left side of the frame, isolating the light pole as the subject.
circles
You can capture a certain energy with the motion of a circular line, and
also lead your eye through the frame.
circles
The use of circles in this shot draws you into the depth of the scene,
allowing you to take in the water and reflection, and the backdrop of the
mountains.
polygons
polygons
In this image the Polygon is created by flowers in the foreground – and also a
contrast between the light and dark areas.
triangle
A triangle is a closed curve that incorporates at least one diagonal. Being closed, it won't
lead the eye out of the frame. However, especially an equilateral triangle is a lot more static
than a diagonal. By itself, and especially in the middle of the frame, it can lead to a static and
boring composition.
squares
Squares make excellent frames and provide incredible interest with repetition.
arches
Arches have the similar natural motion of circles, but these may be more a part
of the background than a complete shape in itself.
arches
parallel and converging lines
It can be very difficult to use
lines well. But not only is it
possible, when used, these
parallel and converging lines
can be quite effective for
composing background
elements.
rule of thirds
rule of thirds
leading lines
A leading line does what it says: it leads
the eye from one part of the picture to
another: from the foreground to the
background, the secondary subject to
the main subject (but very rarely the
other way round). The leading line adds
motion to an otherwise static picture
and ties different elements in it together.
Diagonals and arcs or other unclosed
curves make good leading lines.
spatial divider
A spatial divider divides the picture into
discrete areas, which work together to
make the composition. Not all pictures
are based on areas, but sometimes areas
can make for a strong composition even in
the absence of clear points of interest.
Triangles are particularly useful as spatial
dividers, but other elements (diagonals,
open curves) can perform the role as well.
framing element
A framing element serves to focus attention on the
main subject. It usually covers at least two edges of
the picture and can intrude a good way into it,
sometimes taking up most of the space in it. For this
to work, the framing element has to have some
interesting characteristics of its own: color, texture,
or shape.
Bold, geometric shapes can work very well as
framing elements: triangles or arcs work especially
well. Usually, framing elements should be lower-key
and more muted than the main subject: they are not
meant to distract, but to focus, even when the
actual point of the picture is the framing element.
spatial divider
diagonal
A picture with a diagonal element is almost always more dynamic and stronger than
the same picture without it. While verticals and horizontals usually divide the space
into areas, diagonals connect. Indeed, one of the most common and effective uses for
the diagonal is the *leading line* -- something that connects a main subject to a
secondary subject, causing the eye to move inside the frame. In this role, diagonals can
be strong components of perspective and depth, giving a picture three-dimensionality.
glossary
• axiom. A basic assumption
about a mathematical system
from which theorems can be
deduced. For example, the
system could be the points
and lines in the plane. Then
an axiom would be that given
any two distinct points in the
plane, there is a unique line
through them.
• congruent. Two shapes in the
plane or in space are
congruent if there is a rigid
motion that identifies one
with the other (see the
definition of rigid motion).
• rigid motion. A
transformation of the plane
or space, which preserves
distance and angles.
• perspective. The technique or
process of representing on a
plane or curved surface the
spatial relation of objects as
they might appear to the eye;
specifically : representation in
a drawing or painting of
parallel lines as converging in
order to give the illusion of
depth and distance
task
1.Identify the planes in a photo or video still
2.Overlay parallel lines on each plane to the point of
convergence, or as close as possible on image
3.Note two or more distinct points on the plane and how
they relate to the parallel lines.
Standard: Demonstrate an understanding of
geometry by identifying and giving examples of
undefined terms, axioms, theorems, and inductive
and deductive reasoning.
perspective
taking it further…
1.Identify a polygon shape in a photo with an
overlay of the shape in Photoshop.
2.Enlarge or shrink (crop) both the image and
shape layers equally until they fill a 4x6 canvas.
3.Repeat for an 8x10 canvas size.
4.Note the different aspect ratios.