Photography, Composition and Non Verbal communication

There are many design elements that contribute to having effective photo's on websites, and many are very simple and you wouldn't know exist. I have taken images off Google to simply add explaination to the terms.











Eye Flow(above) - Elements in the scene that guide the viewer's eye through the entire frame.
















Dominant element- There is normally a dominant element with every image, which is something the photographer wants to be the focal point of the photo, and normally includes little else other than the dominant element.



























Simplicity - Only what is essential to the scene is included in the final image, this is so the image does not look to busy.


Rule of the thirds

















In this picture the subject of the image (the girl) is mostly positioned in the middle of the image, with a lot of wasted space around the subject. This is a common way to make an uninteresting photo.






















The second picture follows the rule of the thirds, as it has been cropped to get rid of one side of the wasted space. Also the girls head is now at the top and therefore more of the girl can be seem, and it also gives a sense of more height. The fact that the subject is not in the center makes the photo look more interesting, and directs the attention straight to her.

















Diagonal Rule - The diagonal rule refers to when an image is divided into two parts, and then each half is further divided into three parts. The adjacent side is divided so that the lines connecting the resulting points form a diagonal frame, any important elements in the image should be placed along these diagonals.


Non verbal communication- When you take an image you need to consider the content of it and what message it gets across.


Points to consider include:

• Expression - How the image is expressed relates to cultural identities, which people can recognise instantly.


• Eye contact - If an image has eye contact it involves the audience in the image, appealing to them.


• Pose-static or active - This often corresponds with expression, and can also be used as a symbol pf status or power.


• Clothing - This helps the image relate to the audience.


• Touch- ritualistic touching - This refers to cosmetics, showing manner and emotion.


• Body movement- The action the subject.actor in the image is doing.

Positional communication - The positions in which actors in an image position themselves, can change the status and relationship between them.

Reciprocal- a two-way relationship in which each person is the centre of the other’s attention.

Divergent- each person’s attention is diverted towards something different.

Object- the attention of each person is directed towards the same object.

Semi-reciprocal- one person’s attention is concentrated on the other, whose attention is elsewhere.