Project 52, Week 7, Informal Balance - Asymmetry

This week we're going to become unbalanced and talk about using asymmetry, or informal balance, when composing our photographs.  Informal balance is considered more interesting more dynamic, and less static than formal balance, 

"Asymmetrical balance is introduced when the presumed weight of two or more lighter objects is equalized by a single heavier object placed on the other side of the imaginary pivot point. Asymmetrical balance is more difficult to achieve than symmetrical balance, because of the problem of establishing relative weight values for dissimilar elements within the picture area as well as presenting some form of stability."  NAVEDTRA 14209 (section 5-8, page 116)

Informal balance can be harder to achieve than symmetry because it isn't just balancing two objects or elements. It's arranging everything in the scene to create an attractive balance that leads the eye to the photo's focal point.   Some things to note:

• Use the Rule of Thirds  (and other golden rules) to help achieve successful asymmetry.
• Dark objects weigh more than light colored ones.
• Elements at the top of the scene have more weight than those of the same size in the lower section.
• An object near the edge of the scene has more weight than one that is centered.
• A group of small items can balance one larger related object.
• A small visually interesting object can balance a larger but less interesting subject.  "Visually interesting" may relate to the shape, color, texture, and placement as well as the object itself.

Can't decide whether the scene demands Symmetry or Asymmetry?  Shoot both and decide later.

Suggested Readings and Photographs:

1. Symmetry and Asymmetry from JohnsbarsbyPhotography; brief article with photographs
2. Asymmetry from 2 D Design Notes; illustrated short lecture type article
3. Basic Photography Techniques, Asymmetrical, or Informal, Balance from photoinf.com; excerpt from the NAVY manual on photography
4. Symmetry and balance in photographic composition from DigitalPhotographyTipsOnline.com; lists 7 tips
5. Composition in Landscape from Learning Photography; examples of symmetry/asymmetry composition and landscape photos
6. Symmetry and Asymmetry in Aesthetics and the Arts by I C McManus, Department of Psychology, University College London; a cerebral look at symmetry and asymmetry
7. Asymmetrical Balance: Creating Dynamic Compositions from The Helpful Art Teacher; lots of illustrations

Refer to the 2012-Project-12-52-365 page for the year's list of topics.