Elements of Composition

Contrast:  Contrast is the camera effect that emphasizes the drastic difference between colour and tone.  There are two types of contrast, tonal contrast and colour contrast.  Tonal contrast capitalizes on the difference between dark and light tones.  Colour contrast focuses on the difference between starkly different colours.


























Examples of contrast.


Leading Lines:  Leading lines are lines in an image that lead the viewer's eye around the image.  Leading lines contrast the rest of the photograph, as they must to lead the viewer's attention around the image.  The lines could be a skyline, the contours of a coffee mug, or anything that leads the viewer's eye around.





Examples of leading lines.

Texture:  Texture in photographs is the visibility of the texture of the subject matter.  For example, a brick will have a rough look to it, with divots and protruding flecks of brick.  A good example of texture will have the feel of the subject matter clearly visible.





Examples of texture.