CompositionalElementsIntroductionA synergetic combination of compositional elements produces images thatcommunicate volumes without written words. Images that fail to elicitappropriate responses usually lack some element of composition. Althoughthere are no absolute rules on composition, we can generalize regardingpsychophysiological reactions of perception to combinations of compositionalelements.CompositionalThe basic elements of good composition include the picture area, pictureelementsdepth, line movement, value, proportion, balance, unity, and clarity.Picture area orThe picture area or picture plane is the amount of surface available to hold anpicture planeimage. The picture area is also synonymous with image area, the areaenclosed by the edges of the paper or substrate surface.The size of thepicture area influences the size of the objects you depict in the image.Youcan use size or relative size and location, as well as the overlapping ofobjects in the picture area to emphasize or subdue importance.Large objectsor objects placed in the foreground tend to become more important.Similarly sized and placed objects become monotonous. Overlappingemphasizes main objects while partially obscuring secondary objects.Figure 1-2 shows three objects in three different compositions.Figure 1-2.—Three objects in threedifferent compositions.Continued on next page1-5
Integrated Publishing, Inc. - A (SDVOSB) Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business