The point is the most fundamental design element. For a subject to qualify as a point, it has to be small in the frame, and contrast with its surroundings. The most obvious scene in which you can find a single point, is where the setting or background is plain and even, and from which you are at a sufficient distance for an object to occupy just a fraction of the space.
In preparation for the first exercise in this section, jot down as many types of situations as you can think of which would make a clear photograph of a point. Consider the kind of background and how lighting alone can create a point.
My Examples:
- A Green field with one tree. Blue sky or sunrise.
- A Green field with one scarecrow. Blue sky.
- A field with a scarecrow at dusk, dark background.
- A tree in a field with no leaves, autumn weather/setting.
- Plain blue sky with no clouds, one bird in flight.
- Blue sea with one boat, day light
- Sea with one boat with dusk or dark lighting
- Centre of a flower, against the colour from the petals. Day light.
- Car parked on its own on a road. Dark background.
A point which is small and distinct within the frame becomes a strong point. When the point becomes larger, they or it is still distinct, but to what extent? It may still draw the eye strongly, so it fulfills the basic function of a point and focusing the attention. The larger the point appears in the frame, the less its ‘points-like qualities’ gradually become.
The next thing to do is to look through past images you’ve taken and note those that contain an obvious point.In some examples, you may find that whilst the subject is small enough to appear as a point, where some case the subject is isolated yet larger.
First Photograp
h:
The first image is of a jelly fish. The ‘point’ (jelly fish), is positioned centrally in the frame. As mentioned in the introduction, it does have a somewhat static nature. The subject is small so it does have a ‘point’ like quality, even though I have zoomed in closer to the subject.
Second Photograph:
The second image is of a small animal at the zoo. The animal is positioned off centre in the frame, however, there is 2 burrow holes and a chunk of wood towards the left hand corner. Because the fur is a lighter colour, it stands out more against the dark brown. However, you have to ‘forget’ about the colour. By accident, I caught a section of the fence in the frame. It divided the corners, which draws your view towards the small animal without help of this colour. Because the animal is positioned off centre, it gives the images movement, unlike a central static nature. The animal is also small in size, so it has ‘point like’ qualities.
Third Photograph:
The third image is of a large tall statue in Trafalgar square London. The item is large, yet positioned centrally in the frame. It was taken from a distance, making the subject appear smaller. However, even thought the subject is placed centrally, there is no static nature. Because the statue is tall, your view is drawn straight up towards the top where the statue is placed. There is also movement from the people on the ground. Having a lot of foreground in the image also helps to allow the eye to follow the ‘movement’ towards the top of the statue.
Fourth Photograph:
The fourth image shows a dog on the beach. The dog is positioned towards the bottom left hand corner of the frame. Even thought the dog is a large subject, the position of the dog shows movement and is not static.
After looking through previous images I had taken to show a ‘point’, I realised that I naturally position the subject centrally. I could only find a handful of images which show the object either off centre or in a corner or side of the frame. Therefore, this small exercise was quite difficult as I had to make the most of what I had. I’ve realised that I need to start photographing without placing the subject centrally. I am hoping that the ‘positioning a point’ exercise may help me more.
In the next exercises, you will need to set up or find scenes which show one point. They could be naturally occurring situations eg.boats on water, or indoor settings, in which you lay an object on a background. Make them as interesting and as attractive as possible. Dont just put an object on a piece of plain paper.
Chantelle Grace Photography 