![]() Symmetry & Balance (and the rule of thirds) ![]() A shallow depth of field is used to group objects within close proximity and 'focus' the viewer's attention. It essentially ‘groups’ everything that is close together in the focal area, clearly outlining the figure and the ground. A large aperture (lower f-stop number) will result in a small Depth of Field (DOF), which in turn makes everything but the area in-focus blurry. The principle of Proximity is most often employed by photographers new to SLR cameras with fast lenses. This can create interesting effects (both positive and negative, as can be seen in the image to the right) It’s important to keep the principle of proximity in mind when composing photos, especially when working with small f-stops and large depths of field. The close proximity unifies them together and will help to form a figure within an image When the dots are placed close to each other in groups, we tend to perceive 3 columns rather than a whole group of dots. ![]() ProximityĮlements that are placed close to each other will often be perceived as one group. Figure is separated from Ground by the high contrast between dark & light. Learning to control the definition of figure and ground in your photographs will help to control your audiences perception on what is subject matter, and what is negative space. The Vase described by Edgar Rubin is the most well known demonstration of the figure-ground relationship, with the figure of the image changing depending upon if the focus is the faces or the vase. Complex images can host multiple figures / ground relationships depending upon how it is perceived and what the mind is focusing on at any given time. Our perception of the figure can be swayed by various factors such as colour or contrast, or the lack such differences (as is the case in the design of camoflage). Figure/Ground, Pillars/People - courtesy of Ritsumeikan University. The shape or form that serves as the focus of an image is the figure, and the surroundings or negative space is known as the ground. Our brains are constantly taking in visual information, but we will always tend to differentiate a form from it’s surroundings. By following some of the principles listed below you will probably find yourself looking through the viewfinder with different eyes, and not filling up a memory card with hundreds of photos only to keep a dozen or so ‘really good’ ones. Some people are naturally gifted at framing their shots in interesting ways, and these people will generally know what they are looking for but not know how to describe what they are seeing. ![]() The field of study dedicated to exploring human perception goes by the name “Gestalt Psychology”, and from this field comes various principles about the way that people see things. It goes without saying: Since it is the photographer that composes and frames the subject to make a photograph, then the physical tools used in gathering light come secondary to the methodoligies and principles employed to make a picture interesting. The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it We can safely assume that Nikon’s update was most likely authored by a PR employee rather than an actual photographer, as generally photographers will disagree with this sentiment: Late last year Nikon caused a bit of a stir in the photography community by stating “A photographer is only as good as the equipment he uses…”, and not surprisingly the vast majority of responses were negative. One must beware the pitfalls of accessible technology, however, as the increase in availability of ‘professional’ equipment has also given rise to the fauxtographer – How many of your friends on social media networks have purchased (or were gifted) a Camera Obscura device and are now advertising their new startup photography business?Ī good photograph and an expensive camera are not mutually inclusive. The advancements in technology over the past 20 years means that just about everyone owns a digital camera, and the price points are low enough that many of us are able to purchase a shiny new Digital Single-Lens Reflex camera if so inclined. Make your photography more interesting and efficient using Gestalt psychology. ![]()
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