Composition & Visual Design
60 terms · page 2 of 3
High Angle
A viewpoint above the subject, looking downward.
Composition & Visual DesignHorizon Line
The line where sky meets land or sea, which in a photograph always sits at the camera's own eye level.
Composition & Visual DesignImplied Motion
The suggestion of movement within a still image, created by blur, gesture, position or direction.
Composition & Visual DesignIsolation
Separating a subject from its surroundings so it reads alone, using depth of field, framing, tone or timing.
Composition & Visual DesignJuxtaposition
Placing two contrasting or unexpectedly related elements together in a frame so each comments on the other.
Composition & Visual DesignLaw of Closure
The gestalt principle that the mind completes incomplete shapes, perceiving a whole where only parts are shown.
Composition & Visual DesignLaw of Continuity
The gestalt principle that the eye follows a line or curve and continues along it even where it is interrupted.
Composition & Visual DesignLaw of Proximity
The gestalt principle that elements placed close together are perceived as belonging to one group.
Composition & Visual DesignLaw of Similarity
The gestalt principle that elements sharing shape, colour, size or texture are perceived as related.
Composition & Visual DesignLayering
Building a composition from distinct planes at different distances, so the eye moves through the frame from near to far.
Composition & Visual DesignLead Room
The space left in front of a subject in the direction they face or move.
Composition & Visual DesignLeading Lines
Lines within a scene that guide the viewer's eye from one part of the frame toward the subject.
Composition & Visual DesignLinear Perspective
The geometric effect by which parallel lines receding from the viewer appear to converge toward a point.
Composition & Visual DesignLow Angle
A viewpoint below the subject, looking upward.
Composition & Visual DesignMinimalism
A compositional approach built on very few elements, large areas of empty space and simple graphic forms.
Composition & Visual DesignNegative Space
The empty or unoccupied area surrounding the subject, which gives it room and defines its shape.
Composition & Visual DesignPattern
A repeating arrangement of shapes, lines, colours or objects across the frame.
Composition & Visual DesignPerspective Compression
The apparent flattening of distance between near and far elements when photographing from far away with a long lens.
Composition & Visual DesignPerspective Distortion
The exaggeration of relative size between near and far objects when photographing from very close with a wide lens.
Composition & Visual DesignPoint of View
The position from which a photograph is taken, encompassing height, angle, distance and orientation.
Composition & Visual DesignPositive Space
The area of the frame occupied by the subject itself.
Composition & Visual DesignRule of Odds
The observation that an odd number of subjects in a frame usually reads as more settled than an even number.
Composition & Visual DesignRule of Space
The guideline that a subject which is moving or looking in a direction should have space in front of it within the frame.
Composition & Visual DesignRule of Thirds
A guideline that divides the frame into nine equal parts and suggests placing key elements along those lines or at their intersections.