Emphasis; Principal of Design
The Principal of Design: Emphasis
Emphasis, is a principal of design, it is the art of creating focal points that draw the viewer's attention and direct it towards a specific element within a composition. This technique allows designers and artists to highlight key subjects or ideas, adding depth and meaning to their work.
Emphasis Using PERSPECTIVE Get closer to the subject for a more dramatic perspective, which also creates emphasis. Put the camera at a low or high angle near the focal point of the photo.
If you have a repeated element in your image - such as the pink flower in this photo - the elements that are larger and closer to the cameraβs perspective will have more emphasis.
In the realm of photography, emphasis plays a significant role in capturing the viewer's attention and guiding their gaze.
One powerful way to create emphasis in photography is through the skillful use of focus.
Selective focus is the technique that involves intentionally blurring or sharpening certain areas of an image while leaving others out of focus. By isolating the SUBJECT in sharp focus and blurring the background or surrounding elements, photographers achieve a powerful visual contrast that instantly draws the viewer's eye. This technique ensures that the subject becomes the focal point, commanding attention and conveying its significance within the composition.
Another effective way to establish emphasis in photography is by utilizing leading LINES (element of art). Leading lines are shapes within an image that leads the viewer's eye towards the main subject; THE WHY! These lines can be certain architectural features, pathways, or even natural contours within the environment. By leveraging leading lines strategically, photographers create a visual pathway that guides the viewer's focus directly towards the intended subject, amplifying its importance.
Contrast, both in terms of luminosity and color, is also a valuable tool when emphasizing elements in photography. The juxtaposition between light and dark areas, or vivid and muted colors, can create a visual impact that immediately captivates the viewer's attention. By placing a subject against a contrasting background or using complementary colors, photographers can enhance the prominence and relevance of the chosen subject, capturing the viewer's gaze with striking force.
Emphasis Using TEXTURE is another way to alert the viewer to the subject or main idea why. You can show emphasis using texture (element of art) by showing a contrast between different textures soft and hard, smooth or rough for example.
Additionally, the effective use of framing can significantly contribute to the establishment of emphasis in photography. By incorporating elements in the foreground, photographers create a visual frame that directs the viewer's attention towards the central subject. This technique lends a sense of depth and focus to the overall composition, reinforcing the significance of the subject by visually isolating it within a defined space.
As emphasis serves to guide the viewer's attention, it is essential for photographers to balance the various techniques and elements at their disposal. Overemphasis on a particular element may lead to distractions or a lack of harmony within the composition. Therefore, skilled photographers employ various techniques in harmony, understanding that each photograph requires a unique approach depending on the intended message and desired impact.
To clarify, emphasis is a fundamental principal of design that plays a crucial role in photography. Through the skillful deployment of elements of design and techniques such as selective focus, leading lines, contrast, and framing, photographers effectively guide the viewer's gaze towards the intended subject or idea. By harnessing the power of emphasis, photographers not only elevate their compositions but also elicit a more profound and engaging viewer experience.
additional resources:
https://cdnsm5-ss7.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_470351/File/Morland/Photo%201/Ways%20to%20Show%20Emphasis%20in%20Photography.pdf
https://artincontext.org/emphasis-in-photography/
