JPG Magazine: Stories: How To: Geometric Photography

How To

Geometric Photography

By Karen Curran

1 July 2008

Images in Geometric Photography can range from mimialist to complex constructed images. Does Geometric Photography mean "geometric," by the shapes of the objects within the composition, or by the framing of objects within a composition which may not be specifically geometric shapes but by the way they are photographed appear to be geometric.

Painters and Graphic Designers have the option of placing objects in their images where, and when they please. Photographers can do the same when they are constructing a still life or other set-up photographs. Photographers also have a number of ways in which they can gain control over their composition. Photographers have the advantage of choosing lenses and their format, predominately rectangular or square. Photographers can also choose B&W or Color, and have varying ways of controlling their contrast and saturation, in order to invoke a mood. While achieving detail in the whites can sometimes be tricky with a digital camera, consider blowing out the whites for impact. In adddition I was always taught that there should be detail in the shadows, consider avoiding detail in the shadows. This would enable the photographer to use the shadows as shape only in order to create a more graphic composition. Here we would use exposure for emotional impact.

We can also choose our lenses to give specific angles of view, and whether we want to compress the objects as with a telephoto lens or emphasize angles and direction by the use of wide angle lenses. Normal lenses replicate human vision. To determine what a normal lens is for a specific format, you measure the diagonal of the film or sensor for the camera you are using. A 21mm lens on a 35mm camera interepts the image in a manner, which normal vision can't see.

We also have the use of vantage point and angles in order to direct the viewer's eye. Diagonal lines are considered stronger than vertical or horizontal lines. Angles can give you more dynamic lines. The wider the angle of the lens, the more exaggerated is the effect on the image.

Humans visualize at different levels, rather than being restricted to eye level. Cameras aren't built to function only at eye level. However cameras need to be guided. Get down on the ground, looking up or ahead. Try composing your photographs from a bird's point of view or from a Basset Hound's point of view. Turn your camera at different angles. EXPERIMENT !

The composition which is the most visually pleasing is the one we usually choose. Research the "Golden Rectangle," and discover the beauty of using the 5:8 porportion as a basis for composing images. Many of today's cameras have a grid on demand function. Earlier SLR's with interchangeable focusing screen also allow for obtaining a grid pattern for composition.

I hope that this will entice you to explore "Geometric Photography!"

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