Hello guys! 

This post will continue to look at the aesthetic elements in photography. 

I will handle balance, golden ratio, composition, and space elements in this post. 

Let me continue.

 

Balance in Photography

 

Balance is another important element in photographic composition. Balance can be defined as the shape, color or adjustment of light or dark areas that complement each other in a way that is pleasing to the eye. In this context, the harmony of both the color tones and the size and smallness of the elements in the photograph gains importance in terms of ensuring the balance in the photograph.

 

The balance element in photography can at some point be evaluated as in mathematics and physics. Proportional proximity and distance between objects gain importance in terms of providing the physical balance in the photograph. Colors, color tones or other elements of the object, such as size and smallness, should also be evaluated in terms of balance. Symmetry is also taken care of to ensure balance in photography. However, the fact that all objects are symmetrical or at equal distances and distances does not mean that any element of balance is observed. The fact that the object spacing is different can also provide an element of balance.

 

The balanced distribution of the objects and elements used or existing in the photograph is also important for the aestheticization of the photograph. The deterioration of the balance in the photograph in terms of any object or element causes it to lose its aesthetic harmony.

 

The Golden Ratio in Photography

 

From the first emergence of photography until today, one of its most important functions has been the principle of being a document. The ratio in the photograph gains importance, both because it has the quality of a document and because it is used for aesthetic purposes. The ratio in the photograph is one of the elements that attract attention in order to clearly see the person or thing in the official documents. However, the ratio in the photo is not only valid for official documents. However, it is necessary to pay attention to the use of ratio in photographs taken only for aesthetic concerns. At this point, the angle and framing skills of the artist come to the fore.

 

The golden ratio gains importance in establishing the narrative in a solid composition in photographs. In cases where the golden ratio is not taken into account, the balance, integrity and composition of the photograph are also in danger of being damaged. Ensuring this ratio is important in terms of ensuring that the pattern of meaning in the photograph conveys the emotion to the person looking at the photograph.

 

Another name for the golden ratio in the literature is the 1/3 rule. According to this rule, the photo frame is divided into 3 equal parts horizontally and vertically. The image obtained in this way consists of nine small parts.

 

Although the golden ratio in many living things or inanimate objects in nature are different, it should be seen as a special ratio. Every living thing in nature takes place in a ratio specific to the whole. This ratio is also important in terms of providing the composition in the work. Proper presentation of geometric and numerically calculated proportions in the work is possible with partitioned screens. For example, if the photograph taken is a landscape photograph, the horizon line or other elements should be placed according to the golden ratio and the frame should be adjusted in this way.

 

Composition in Photography

 

Two different distinctions come to the fore in ensuring the integrity of composition in photography. First, taking the photograph in its fictional or natural course can lead to differences in the composition of the photograph. When evaluated from this point of view, the difficulties increase since the composition in the fictional photographs is created artificially by human hands. Adjusting the light, color and balance one by one is of great importance in terms of aesthetic appearance of the photograph and presenting it in the composition. The long preparation time for fictional photographs is for ensuring the composition.

 

When photographs are not fiction at all, both fiction and composition develop at that moment, instantaneously. In this way, the attitude and approach of the artist at that moment come to the fore in providing the composition. At this point, many photographs can develop instantaneously. In this case, the artist’s knowledge and skills are very important in providing the composition. Sometimes it may be necessary to wait for hours in order to capture the right moment in a nonfiction photo. On the other hand, sometimes the composition may develop instantaneously and disappear in an instant. The photographer is busy capturing this moment. It is seen that the photographers took the same frame repeatedly in order to capture the composition exactly. Among the photographs taken, the most aesthetically appropriate one is preferred.

 

Photo-Space Relationship

 

When we look at the periods when photography first appeared, it is seen that mostly space photos and still objects were taken. The technical details of the cameras were also effective in photographing only the spaces. With the shortening of the exposure time and gradually allowing opportunities to be taken with some auxiliary tools in portrait photography, photographs in which the relationship between portrait and space are processed have also begun to be produced.

 

With the emergence of photography as an art, it has been seen that there is a language of expression. In photography, which rises as an aesthetic field, the space has started to come to the fore. In this context, the acceptance that a work has a language of expression also differentiates the use of elements such as space. Space is an important element of the narrative. While space was only considered as space in old photographs, it has become an important part of the composition in today’s photographic understanding. Space preferences or arranging an existing space around the meaning that the artist wants to give (making additions or drops) has become one of the most important principles of photography.

 

Considering all these elements, do you think that it is easy to take photographs? 

 

I don’t think so. ☺ 

I absolutely think that it is an art and photographers are definitely artists.

What do you think? 

Let me know in the comments. 

Anıl Uzun