Project 52, Week 41, Shapes

This week we look for a fundamental composition element: shapes - circles, rectangles, squares, triangles, pentagons, etc.  A shape is a space outlined by elements such as lines, color, and value. It may be an actual solid object (such as a wall or window or traffic sign) or may be more of a perceived shape (such as a group of people arranged in a circle or triangle or a mountain range or the space between two converging lines).

Things to consider:

• Be creative.  Look for shapes everywhere.  A horse race track is a circle/oval; the starting gate and stands are rectangles. 
• A shape should be distinctive, but does not necessarily have to be a geometric shape. A photograph of a horse and jockey taken in silhouette shows a distinct shape.
• The S-curve is a shape.  The eye completes the lines to see circles, one on top of another.
• Composing a group of people by arranging them in a triangle can create a more interesting picture than having them all in a row at the same height.
• The American Heart Association publishes calendars that feature a picture with a heart shape subject each month (flora, fauna, islands, birds, hands, etc.)

Suggested Readings and Examples:

1. Visual Design Elements: Shapes at Ultimate Photo Tips; illustrated article - illustrates perceived shapes
2. The Tuesday Composition: Circles by Joe Decker at Photocrati; illustrated article
3. Circular Compositions by John Suler's PhotoPsychology at Flickr; illustrated article
4. Hearts, Triangles, and Circles at FotoSearch; just pictures
5. Examples of Shape Photography by kelsibrenna; 5 examples