Here is a photograph that contains a quick lesson in design. Look carefully to see what catches or pleases your eye.
Susan says, “Repetition, color, texture, contrast, balance, perspective. These essential design elements are very clearly present in this photo. Check out the nifty repetition of the three cups and their reflected images, the three pomegranates and their matching bowls, as well as the reflections of the brightly lit windows marching across the glass cabinet top. The benefit of this repetition is that it keeps your eye moving across the image. There is nothing static about this still life. The colors and the color contrast is another striking element of this photo. The glossy white of the cups contrasted against the deep mahogany red of the pomegranates gives a burnished richness to the photo. Notice, too, the simplicity of the little cups, the quirky pomegranates with their odd snouts and the ornate wood carvings of the cabinet. These contrasting textures keep the photo interesting and engaging. If you could apply the design elements represented in this photo to a presentation slide you would have a very fine slide indeed.”
Lucia says, “It looks as if Susan covered this very well. She mentioned all the design elements that caught my eye – from the repetition to the reflections. All I can add is how delighted I was when I saw this nicely composed display. My challenge was capturing it in low light and keeping everything in focus without a tripod. So I held my breath (literally) and went for it. Steady hands! I almost didn’t take the shot because I thought I’d end up with a blurry mess. Instead, the photo was what I had imagined – a nicely composed photo of a beautifully composed display.”
