Photography And Video: Syntax Of The Eye
There's so many theories of composition it's hard to know which one to listen to.
One simple one claims composition consists of: Line Shape Form Texture Pattern and color.
But I think it's even simpler than that.
Remember Occam's Razor-the simplest explanation is usually the right one? Line, shape, form and pattern are really different ways to express the same thing.
So let's just call it shape and be done with it.
The world looks to be made up of thousands of different shapes.
There are actually just three: Square Circle Triangle, and their variations.
Each one of these shapes has meaning.
They communicate to us through their shape alone.
It isn't haphazard.
It is a language as much as any other written or spoken form of communication.
When you hear that a picture is worth a thousand words what do think it means? That statement is acknowledging the visual syntax: The language of the eye.
The square (rectangle, oblong box, cube, etc.
) communicates solidness and stability.
Politicians are always shot in a box, squarely framed, often by flags, sitting at a a big square desk or table, to imply their dependability and seriousness of purpose.
Look at the architecture of banks and hospitals.
The circle (oval, ellipse, parabola, etc.
) symbolized calm, peace, serenity and concepts of that nature.
Look at ads for paradise vacations and nursing homes.
The triangle, whether obtuse, oblique, pyramid, trapezoidal, etc.
, is the shape significant of action.
Someone running is all angles.
Good photos of people never allow the arms and legs to just dangle or for joints to lock, subjects are posed to form triangular shapes directing the viewer's attention, usually to the face.
If you've ever had your portrait done the photographer will direct you to do certain things, even with parts of your body not in the picture, because posture counts, and because they are trying to get your body posed based on your muscles not your bones.
When you use your muscles to control your body a tension exists that is visible as opposed to standing with your knees locked instead of flexing them and standing on your muscles (using your muscles).
Notice a sprinter in the blocks.
It's all angles, the ankles, knees, hips and spine.
The weight is supported by the arms and elbows.
When the starter says, `Ready' the runner unlocks the elbows and is posed on muscle alone.
From this position, action, forward motion, is best achieved.
This isn't the whole language of the eye; far from it.
But it's a start.
Try this: look around yourself right now and identify the shapes of everything you see-start learning the language of the eye.
Thanks for listening.
One simple one claims composition consists of: Line Shape Form Texture Pattern and color.
But I think it's even simpler than that.
Remember Occam's Razor-the simplest explanation is usually the right one? Line, shape, form and pattern are really different ways to express the same thing.
So let's just call it shape and be done with it.
The world looks to be made up of thousands of different shapes.
There are actually just three: Square Circle Triangle, and their variations.
Each one of these shapes has meaning.
They communicate to us through their shape alone.
It isn't haphazard.
It is a language as much as any other written or spoken form of communication.
When you hear that a picture is worth a thousand words what do think it means? That statement is acknowledging the visual syntax: The language of the eye.
The square (rectangle, oblong box, cube, etc.
) communicates solidness and stability.
Politicians are always shot in a box, squarely framed, often by flags, sitting at a a big square desk or table, to imply their dependability and seriousness of purpose.
Look at the architecture of banks and hospitals.
The circle (oval, ellipse, parabola, etc.
) symbolized calm, peace, serenity and concepts of that nature.
Look at ads for paradise vacations and nursing homes.
The triangle, whether obtuse, oblique, pyramid, trapezoidal, etc.
, is the shape significant of action.
Someone running is all angles.
Good photos of people never allow the arms and legs to just dangle or for joints to lock, subjects are posed to form triangular shapes directing the viewer's attention, usually to the face.
If you've ever had your portrait done the photographer will direct you to do certain things, even with parts of your body not in the picture, because posture counts, and because they are trying to get your body posed based on your muscles not your bones.
When you use your muscles to control your body a tension exists that is visible as opposed to standing with your knees locked instead of flexing them and standing on your muscles (using your muscles).
Notice a sprinter in the blocks.
It's all angles, the ankles, knees, hips and spine.
The weight is supported by the arms and elbows.
When the starter says, `Ready' the runner unlocks the elbows and is posed on muscle alone.
From this position, action, forward motion, is best achieved.
This isn't the whole language of the eye; far from it.
But it's a start.
Try this: look around yourself right now and identify the shapes of everything you see-start learning the language of the eye.
Thanks for listening.
