Exercise: Balance

Balance is the resolution of tension the eye seeks to balance one force with another (1). This exercise focuses on balance using six existing photographs. Balance in this context refers to any of the graphic elements - for example tones, colours and lines.  However, balance is not the only the guiding factor in composition as..."an expressive picture is by no means always harmonious" (2) and an image that does not balance is often more challenging to the viewer.

A

 

 

the child is the larger element, this is offset by the placement of the smaller island on the right hand corner. This produces a balanced image, with some tension though, as the elements are not symmetrical.

B

 

this composition is similar to "A", balance is achieved here with the smaller lily in the far left hand part of the frame and the larger element near the foreground. There is a dynamic balance in the unequal size of the flowers.

C

the bamboo being the only element is centred and symmetrical - it does appear very heavy and thereby in my opinion creates slight tension in an otherwise, undynamic image.

D

again, dynamic tension is balanced with the larger element placed in the right foreground and the smaller element to the left rear.

E

here the dancers are symmetrical and both are weighted equally over the centre (I am trying to improve my photoshop skills for diagram drawing)

F

here the dynamic elements balance each other the narrower pole to the left is taller than the boat and the end of the wharf which I've grouped as one block and I find the weight of the larger element balances the effect of the taller element.

conclusion: this has been a very worthwhile exercise, if anything it has forced me to re-evaluate some of my shots, and on doing so, I realise that a lot of my images verge on the eccentric.  Going forward I will keep in mind the principles of balance and symmetry and try and experiment more with both symmetry and eccentricity. As this course progresses  I am hoping to master the elements of composition.

[1] ,[2]Freeman, Michael, (2007). The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos,  The Ilex Press, pp 40, 41.