SyMmetry & AsyMmetry
A compositional technique that many artists use is symmetry or asymmetry. Symmetry is when all of the compositional elements are equally pleasing on either side of the frame, and asymmetry is the lack of symmetrical elements or when the framing tends to favor one side over the other. The other piece to think about with symmetry/asymmetry is the use of negative space and balance—allowing the negative space to actually become a compositional element to balance out your photograph.
Assignment:
Photograph at least 24 frames focusing on symmetrical and asymmetrical elements. You can photograph architecture, people, still life, or anything you see that is either balanced or not. Think about shapes and arranging objects in a pleasing manner if you cannot locate naturally occurring symmetry.
You will choose 6 of your BEST ideas - 3 symmetrical and 3 asymmetrical - and print them out to illustrate your sketchbook layout on Symmetry and Asymmetry.
Your 2 BEST photographs (1 symmetrical and 1 asymmetrical) should be edited in Photoshop so that the color/contrast POPS, the composition is perfectly cropped, and you've gotten rid of any distracting or unwanted elements. You will upload both of these final photos to Canvas and write a brief description about the process you took in Photoshop to arrive at your final images.
Steps:
*Check out the Pinterest symmetry/asymmetry board for more inspiration
Assignment:
Photograph at least 24 frames focusing on symmetrical and asymmetrical elements. You can photograph architecture, people, still life, or anything you see that is either balanced or not. Think about shapes and arranging objects in a pleasing manner if you cannot locate naturally occurring symmetry.
You will choose 6 of your BEST ideas - 3 symmetrical and 3 asymmetrical - and print them out to illustrate your sketchbook layout on Symmetry and Asymmetry.
Your 2 BEST photographs (1 symmetrical and 1 asymmetrical) should be edited in Photoshop so that the color/contrast POPS, the composition is perfectly cropped, and you've gotten rid of any distracting or unwanted elements. You will upload both of these final photos to Canvas and write a brief description about the process you took in Photoshop to arrive at your final images.
Steps:
- Our living spaces are filled with symmetry and asymmetry, take a look around the room
- Think about using the rule of thirds and allowing negative space to be an important element in your composition
- Take both symmetrical and asymmetrical images - I'd like to see both.
*Check out the Pinterest symmetry/asymmetry board for more inspiration