Elements of Design - Points

Exercise - Positioning a point ( 3 Photographs)

For the first part of the this section of the course deals with points, point or points within a photograph are the most fundamental design element.

By definition the point has to be a small part of the total image, as stated in Michael Freeman 'The Photographers eye' The simplest form of a point in a photograph is an isolated object seen from a distance, against a relatively plain background.

In preparation for this exercise I noted down as many types of situation as I could think of which would make a clear photograph as a point.

• A person walking on a quiet street
• A horse or any other animal in a field
• A boat on the sea
• A different colour pebble in a mass of similar coloured ones
• A single tree or bush in a field or garden
• A road sign on a deserted road

There are numerous situations where a single point would be present. 

Within a photograph there are essentially thee classes of position, in the middle, off centre and close to an edge. Placing it in a certain position is chiefly for the aesthetics of the photograph. 

The following images demonstrate how the positioning of a single point can effect the graphic relationship with the frame.

 Image 1

In image 1, the navigation buoy is placed in the central position, this may be a logical but this gives the the photograph a static rather dull feel. 

Image 2

In image 2, the fisherman is placed the left of centre, this creates a more pleasing composition to the eye, complying with the rule of thirds. As the fisherman and rod is facing towards the right of the frame, it suggests movement towards the centre of the frame. 

Image 3

In image 3, the navigation buoy is placed towards the upper right of the frame, for this image having the point so close to the right hand edge does not work. This is due to the force of the tide running from left to right, suggesting movement in that direction. As this image suggests the closer the point is to the edge, the more eccentric it is, needing some justification if the image is to work.  

If the buoy was placed in a similar position to that of the fisherman in image 2, it would work much better, the tide running left to right would suggest movement into the frame and not off the edge as in image 3.