Frame & Composition: Activity 4 Blog

Collect one image where the photographer has placed the main subject off center and retained a sense of balance and one image where the photographer has placed the main subject off center and created a sense of imbalance.
Discuss the possible intentions of the photographer in creating each image.


This picture is a good example of a subject that is off center, but still has a sense of balance. The viewers eyes are drawn towards the white dog in the lower left corner. The dog really stands out against the dark, foggy, gray background. This causes it to not be off balance. There is nothing in the background that steals your attention from the dog.

This picture of a lovely elderly couple is an example of a subject that is off center, and does not show a sense of balance. The landscape in the background is confusing and distracts the viewers eyes.








These two pictures are examples of subject that is off center, but still shows a sense of balance. Both the avocado and the dog chew are located on the top left of the picture, surrounded by a solid-color background. This background allows the viewers to only focus on the main subject.

These two pictures are examples of a subject that is off balance, and does not contain a sense of balance. Both the cat and the bottle are located on the lower left of the picture, with a cluttered background. All of the additional object in the background makes it hard to focus on the subject.

Frame & Composition: Activity 3 Blo

Find two examples of Photographs that follow the Rule of Thirds and two examples that do not. Comment briefly on why and how you think the composition works.

DOES:

Both of these pictures are good examples of rule of thirds. 

The puppy's head, to the right, is located on the upper right of the picture. The flower, to the left, is located on the lower right of the picture.

DOES NOT:

These two pictures are bad examples of rule of thirds. The main subject of the pictures, the boat and the tree, are located in the center of the page


(Found on http://thephotographerstoolkit.wordpress.com)



(By Andrew Goodall)

Frame & Composition: Activity 2 Blog

Q. What does John Szarkowski mean when he says that photographers are quoting ‘out of context’ when they make photographic pictures?

A. John Szarkowski means that photographers take pictures that make viewers look at art differently. They don't do plain, simple artwork that was usual during their time. Instead, they use different, 'out of context' techniques that put a whole new perspective on art.

Q. The frame often ‘dissects familiar forms’. At the end of the last century photography was having a major impact on Art. Impressionist artists such as Degas were influenced by what they saw. Look at these examples of Degas work, which clearly shows the influence of Photography, and explain why the public might have been shocked to see such paintings.

A. Photography was a whole new type of art during Degas time. It was a lot different from typical painting artwork, because it actually captured moments in time. Photographers would also use different techniques than other artists. They try to move the viewers eyes around the picture, and don't always center their main subject.

IMPORTANT: Find another example of a painting that you feel was influenced by photography and include it in you're posting!

This painting was greatly influenced by photography because the painter made the subject look off guard as if he took a picture at the right moment.

(By Caravaggio)

Frame & Composition: Activity 1 Blog

Find two examples of how photographers seek simple backgrounds to remove unwanted detail and to help keep the emphasis or ‘focal point’ on the subject.



(Found from http://photoinf.com)

The picture of the seagull to the right shows a simple background because it is mainly a solid color, causing the viewers eyes to focus on the seagull.



(Found from http://photoinf.com)

This picture shows a simple background because it is a solid, dark color. The boy drawing the house is made up of brighter colors, which stand out from the darkness behind.