The objective of this exercise is to photograph a group of objects and to find how a group of objects implies a network of lines and can create a shape. This exercise put my skills on test to group the objects so that they are linked attractively in a relationship that is active rather than obvious and static.
I used a white but not entirely plain background (a single-use tablecloth). As objects I used styrofoam “eggs”. I bought them just for this purpose and I kind of liked the idea of having both the background and objects white. The task was not as easy as it may appear. I started by placing one “egg” on the table and took a photograph of it. I then placed another and took a photograph and continued like this until I had all eight “eggs” in one photograph. I adjusted the last a little for the final image.
My intention was that even though the placement of the eggs seems random, every picture is at least somewhat balanced. For the final image I draw lines connecting the objects and show the lines that create the connection between the objects and create the shape.
These are the photographs I took.
One point
Two points
Three points
Four points
Five points
Six points
Seven points
Eight points
Final setup with eight points
On this final image I draw some lines to indicate the implication of the objects and the shape(s) that they create. The red lines show the diagonal lines that divide the image in four parts. The blue lines are to show the shape the objects create as well as the smaller “sub-objects” inside the image.
I also created an animation with Flash to see how the final image is evolved. This link opens in a new window (or tab in your browser).
Open Flash animation
Conclusion
I found this exercise interesting and challenging. The previous exercises (which I have not yet published on my blog) helped a lot. This helps me to concentrate all the time looking for the “final” image and try to keep the image in balance. I can see this as useful lesson which help me to understand how different objects, inside the frame, affect each other and how the balance is created between them.
Each object’s strength inside the frame is determined by the size, shape, color, contrast of the object and by its location inside the frame. That is close to the edge of the frame, in the middle or near the middle. So, there is no simple rule to determine how a single object affects the whole of the image. Just as an example, a small but contrasty or strong colored object can draw the viewers attention and create off-balance if placed in a wrong position.
Tags: Composition, Frame, Point, Position