Static and Dynamic Composition with Emphasis

Static Composition

Portrait

This image is static, with the three subjects vertically parallel to one another, and with their three faces on the same horizontal plane. Their emphasis is achieved with the relatively small depth of field (the background is slightly out of focus) and the middle person's dark hair and attire stand out against the light colors of the background. In addition, the subjects' cups of boba tea are all approximately vertically parallel and on the same horizontal plane giving a sense of unity in the photo. The background complements this as it is also static, with the perpendicular vertical lines of walls and counters apparent.

Still Life

This still life, set in my cousin's garage, is clearly static with all the tools creating vertical lines, parallel to each other, and photographed straight on. I would say the dominant point of interest in this photo is the radio on the box of drawers, which is large and imposing. The subordinate elements, like the boxes in the left background, complement the vertical lines of the radio as they too have vertical edges perpendicular to them. The tonal gradations in the yellow and brown are aesthetically pleasing, along with the repetition of the spanners. There is a cramped sense of space in this photo due to how full it is with different items, however unity is created due to many of them having a "mechanical" use.

Architecture

The symmetrical architecture of Santa Cruz High School is the dominant point of interest. This is clearly a static image with the vertical pillars parallel to one another and the upper edges of the building parallel with the bottom edges of the building and the steps. It is basically a bunch of perpendicular lines. The subordinate elements, like the trees and the lampposts, complement the dominant elements of the school building like the pillars and windows. Emphasis is brought to these features in particular because of the darker color of the window frames and darker value between the pillars. This Neoclassical building looks especially imposing, with it towering above the viewer, due to upward angle of the camera.

Landscape

This image is static because the crisp horizon of the grass is totally level, approximately parallel to the tops of the trees, and parallel to the darker line of grass that my dog stands on. My dog, is also parallel to to the horizontal line in the image. I would say my dog, and the trees, are the dominant elements in this picture. Their darker colors are complimented by the the darker line of grass, about midway through the image. In fact, the dark green of the shadow seems to match the tree hue perfectly. This landscape image utilizes the rule of thirds, with the upper third of the image containing the trees and sky, It creates a sense of space as the small dog, seems very far away from the short trees (proportion). 

Dynamic Composition

Portrait

This is an ultra dynamic photo, with many conflicting angles. The dominant point of interest in the photo is the people. Their emphasis is created through the contrast of their dark clothing and hair against the white background. We have the angle of the back of the boy's shirt, the man's left shoulder, and the curved left side of the man's shirt. The subjects' bodies and heads are literally at an angle. This complemented by the subordinate elements of the headboard of the bed and the picture frame. They too are at angle due to the tilt of the camera, and overall these angles create a sense that everything is falling over (movement), and this is fitting with the playful theme of the image. 

Portrait 2

Still Life

This image achieves dynamism because the dominant point of interest and its subordinate elements are at angles that aren't perpendicular to the photo frame or to each other. The dominant element is the edge of the marbles box lid. This is because of its central placement, and focus in contrast to the other blurred elements. This was achieved through using a small aperture. The subordinate elements, like the boxes, plastic toys and foot, support the dominant element as they too are at an angle. There is harmony in the color blue of the marble box, the foot and blue plastic, and the overall blue-ish tone, created by the white balance, and gives a sense of a rainy day indoors. There is unity in the theme of playtime or toys.

Architecture

I like that the Brutalist architecture of the Santa Cruz Courthouse is contrasted somewhat with the nature in this photo (ying-yang). The dominant elements in this photo are the plants in the foreground and the dark space beneath the building, emphasizing the building above. This photo is dynamic as the dark space is at an angle, as are the edges of the architecture. The dark space almost seems to divide the architecture from the nature. The leaves on the plant to the right are also at an angle, almost pointing toward the building. This dynamism is supported by the edge of the hedge and the angle of the cherry blossom trees. This photo utilizes line and the repetition of the windows to show this contrast between nature and man-made. 

Architecture 2

Landscape

The angles of the dominant hedge, skyline and road-line show this image to be dynamic. The dominant point of interest is the hedge, which covers the steep drop of the street as it disappears from sight. The traditional landscape of the coastal town pokes through, showing how high up the the street is. The downward angle of the street (grey contrasted with green) gives a sense of steepness also. The shadow on the street emphasizes this downward gradient. The shape of the trees (subordinate elements) are rather striking (straight edged tops and clear blue sky backdrop) and they match the angle of the sloping street. 

 

Landscape 2