Compositional Techniques

Question 1

Focal Point

Answer 1

Point of interest of an image, and where the viewers eyes are drawn to first.

Question 2

Negative space

Answer 2

Area surrounding the main subject in a photo that is left unoccupied define the main focus

Question 3

Viewpoint

Answer 3

Refers to the position the photograph was taken from.
Can show a completely different perspective of something.

Question 4

Framing

Answer 4

Using elements in a scene to create a frame around your main subject

Question 5

Rule of thirds

Answer 5

Composition which is split into thirds, horizontally and vertically. Main subject will be placed where each section crosses over.

Question 6

Leading lines

Answer 6

Using lines or elements of a scene to draw your eye in a certain direction towards the main subject of a photograph

Question 7

Filling the frame/ cropping

Answer 7

Composing an image so that positive space takes up most of all of the frame. Opposite of using negative space.

Question 8

Mood/ atmosphere

Answer 8

Various elements within a photograph can create different moods or feels to an image.

Question 9

Visual elements

Answer 9

Line
Texture
Shape
Pattern
Colour
Tone
Form

Question 10

Impact of close up viewpoint

Answer 10

Subjects appear to be right in front of you and may be jumping out the frame.
Makes it very personal, brings the viewer into the image and allows the viewer to interact with the image.

Question 11

Impact of up high viewpoint

Answer 11

Strong sense of distance and space. Gives the viewer the ability to see the sheer scale of the subject of the image. No people in the image creates a sense of solitude

Question 12

Impact of angled viewpoints

Answer 12

Can help emphasise the shapes, angles and scale of the subject

Question 13

Impact of low down viewpoint

Answer 13

Can highlight the size of an object. Subject appears powerful and strong whereas the viewer seems helpless and weak.

Question 14

Impact of framing

Answer 14

Aesthetically pleasing and keep the viewers focus on the framed subjects.

Question 15

Impact of negative space

Answer 15

Enhances the sense of isolation of the subject from the background.
Emphasise not just the subject but the empty space around the subject that defines the subject.
The viewers eyes are more easily directed to the subject

Question 16

Impact of rule of thirds

Answer 16

Helps draw the viewers eye into the image and places more emphasis on the subject.
Empty space should be in the direction the subject is looking, which allows for movement within the image

Question 17

Impact of filling the frame/ cropping

Answer 17

Direct the viewers focus- no space for the viewers eyes to wander, demands the viewers focus and there is an immediate understanding of the image.
Emotional impact- creates a deeper connection between audience and subject

Question 18

Line

Answer 18

Can be vertical, horizontal, curved,jagged straight or a combination of two.
Straight lines show up in man made objects.
Links with leading lines.

Question 19

Impact of line in an image

Answer 19

Guides the eye around the image, often placing emphasis on the subject matter or conveying a sense of movement

Question 20

Shape

Answer 20

Pe organic shapes are ones that can be found in nature.
Geometric shapes are mathematical shapes, they are perfect and regular.
A silhouette is the purest essence of shape, no form, texture or colour

Question 21

Effect of shape within an image

Answer 21

Create contrast between the subject and their environment

Question 22

Form

Answer 22

Refers to three-dimensions.
Organic forms look natural , irregular and may seem flowing and unpredictable.
Geometric forms are our mathematical objects , suggest something solid, balanced and permanent
Use of strong lighting , harsh shadows and highlights

Question 23

Effect of form within an image

Answer 23

Makes an image lifelike, so the photo stand out because the viewer feels that they can touch the person or object , creates depth within image.

Question 24

Colour

Answer 24

Discuss primary /secondary colours, warm/ cool colours, contrasting colours etc.
Different emotional response to mood/ atmosphere
Red= danger
Blue = calm