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Symmetry
Symmetry: a mirror image is a duplicate image of an object that is symmetrical about a vertical or horizontal axis.
Symmetry is a popular subject for photographers. It is often seen in nature and is often used to create a beautiful composition in photographs. You can use symmetry to draw the eye to a particular part of the image.
The most famous examples of this include the golden section, which divides the image into two equal parts. If you divide an image into four equal sections, each quarter looks almost exactly like the other three quarters. A golden ratio is the mathematical rule that the golden section is closest to. This means that if you put the golden section at the top left of the image, you can divide the image in half horizontally and vertically and get an exact match in each quarter.
Other kinds of symmetry can be useful too, such as rotational symmetry. An object that has rotational symmetry will look the same regardless of where you stand it or how you look at it. If you put a circle on a page, it doesn’t matter whether you look at it head on or from above. The same is true for other shapes, such as triangles or squares.
A symmetrical image can be more pleasing than an asymmetrical one. A symmetrical image has the appearance of order and regularity, which makes it look neat and tidy. Asymmetrical images tend to appear less orderly and to look more disordered.
Symmetry is a way of arranging objects so that they appear to be in balance, although there is no true balance in nature. A photograph in which two identical shapes (two circles or two triangles, for example) are arranged so that one forms a mirror image of the other is symmetrical. If one side of the figure is darker than the other, the photograph is considered asymmetrical, although the symmetry may still be apparent.
There are many different ways to compose a photo that uses symmetry. Below we provide some basic guidelines, but there are many ways to approach it.
- Use symmetry to draw the eye to a specific part of the image.
- Include a mirror or a similar object in the image. A mirror can be used to reflect the main point of interest in the photo.
- Use diagonal lines. Diagonal lines create a sense of direction.
- Create a sense of movement by including an object in motion. For example, you could use a bicycle, train or plane.
- Use complementary colors. Complementary colors look great together.
- Make sure the main object and the background are visually connected.
- Make the subject as large as possible.
- You can also use symmetry in photographs that are more abstract, such as portraits, landscapes and still lifes.
- If you are interested in creating an artistic image, you can also use symmetry to make it more interesting. For example, if you place a patterned object next to a plain one, they will contrast with each other.
How to use symmetry in photography
Photographers often use symmetry in their images. But how can we use it in our photographs?
In photography, we can use symmetry to create a pleasing composition. This is achieved by arranging objects so that they look balanced in the frame. It is especially effective with symmetrical objects such as squares, circles and triangles, but can also be used with asymmetrical objects such as buildings and trees.
To create a pleasing composition with symmetry, first decide which side of the object to place in the center of the frame. Position the other elements so they complement this shape. If the element on the left is lighter, arrange the image so it is placed on the right. If the object on the left appears to be larger, arrange the image so it is placed on the bottom.
The key to composing with symmetry is to position the other elements in relation to the central shape. For instance, if a house is symmetrical, put the building in the center of the frame. If a building has a large window on one side, place the building so that the window is towards the viewer. If a building appears dark on one side, place it so that the dark side faces away from the viewer.
Using symmetry to create a composition can also improve an image if one side of the composition is brighter or larger. For example, if a landscape has a tree with branches reaching to the right, the branches should be placed to the left of the tree.
Photographs that are symmetrical can be used to create a visual balance. They can also be used to show the relationship between objects, for example between people, plants and buildings. When using symmetry, it is important to consider where the viewer will look and whether the arrangement will work as a whole.
The most successful compositions combine symmetry and other design elements, including color, contrast and scale.
Some ideas about using Symmetry in Photography
