Elements of Composition

Image:	Principle of Design/Definition:	Rationale:
	Asymmetrical Balance: Subject matter appears to be different in size, shape, weight, tone, or placement.	The placement of the tree appears to be off in the picture and it looks abnormal.
	Bird's Eye View: The photograph is taken from above the subject.	The viewer is looking down on the city.
	Curved Lines: The lines within the image are curved.	The waves on the ocean are curved lines
	Diagonal Lines: The lines in the photograph are diagonal.	The power lines are diagonally placed in relation to the clouds.
	Emphasis: Separating the subject of the photo from its background.	This photo represents emphasis because the background is made black and white so that the bright fish can stand out from its surroundings.
	Framing: Using other objects in a photograph to frame the subject.	The hole through which the picture is being taken naturally frames the landscape outside.
	Horizon Line: The horizon line determines where the viewer is looking from and where the viewer looking to. It makes it seem like the photograph is endless.	All lines in the photo lead to a point; the point being the horizon line.
	Horizontal Lines: The lines in the picture are horizontal. This usually evokes a sense of calmness in the viewer.	The shadows all show horizontal lines.
	Leading Lines: Lines in the photograph lead the viewer to look at the subject.	The lines in the photograph (the guardrail, the arrow signs, and even the trees) lead the viewer to look at the woman walking.
	Movement/Rhythm: The goal is to have the viewers attention move all around the photograph.	The lines in the photo force the viewer to look at everything in the photograph.
	Proportion/Scale: Using the size of an object to give it more or less importance.	The dog is made larger in this photograph to give it the most importance.
	Pattern: Repeating a pattern in such a manner that it captures the viewer's attention.	The pattern in the kiwi not only grabs the attention of an onlooker, but it also keeps a person looking at it.
	Rule of Thirds: If you were to draw a tic-tac toe board on the photograph, the subject should be located on one of the places where the lines intersect.	The subject (the sailboat) is in the upper corner of the photograph.
	Simplicity: Simple subject, simple background.	The vase is simple and is separated form the simple background.
	Symmetry: The subject of the photograph is symmetrical.	Everything in the room is perfectly symmetrical.
	Texture: If a photographer uses texture correctly, the viewer can sense what the photograph feels like.	You can see how the leaf feels.
	Unity: Different subjects are put together to unite a photo and make it whole.	The two elephants are united and make an amazing photograph.
	Variety: The photograph has a variety of elements.	The photograph representing variety shows many differing Christmas ornaments.
	Vertical Lines: Most lines shown in a photograph are vertical and attention grabbing.	The lines in this photo are all vertical and it is not distracting, but it certainly captures attention.
	Worm's Eye View: A photograph taken from below or from a humble position.	This picture is taken from below looking up at the buildings.