Project 26 – Real and Implied Triangles

Posted by charmitage on September 4, 2011 · Leave a Comment 

Produce two sets of triangular compositions in photographs – one using ‘real’ triangles the other making ‘implied’ triangles

Part 1 – Real
1.  A triangular subject
2. Make a triangle by perspective, converging towards the top of the frame
3. Make an inverted triangle by perspective converging towards the bottom of the frame
Part 2 – Implied
1. Make a still life arrangement of 5 or 6 objects to produce a triangle with the apex at the top
2. As one but converging at the bottom
3. Arrange 3 people in a group picture in such a way their faces or the lines of their bodies makes a triangle.

Part 1

A triangular subject

Triangle converging at the top of the frame using perspective

Triangle converging at the top of the frame using perspective

Triangle converging at the bottom of the frame using perspective

Part 2

The first two pictures from part two involved setting up a still life to produce a triangle with an apex at the top then at the bottom.  I used everyday objects placed on an outdoor table for background texture and set up the objects to give me an image using a triangle with the apex at the top.

Apex at top

Then by just changing my position and the perspective I was able to take an image of  a triangle with the apex at the bottom.

Finally although this one isn’t a strict following of the brief as it isn’t an arranged still life with several objects I think it is a great example of an inverted triangle.

Inverted Triangle

I love this scene with the statues taking the place of real people – if you only glance quickly then it looks likes the lady is talking to the statue until you look more closely and see the little girl behind the statue.  This front grouping combined with the statue in the background makes a great triangular shape.

Three people!

Using shapes in design is a great way of getting the eye to move around the picture and once you start looking for triangles you can see them everywhere!  Also by changing your perspective you can change the whole appearance of both real and implied shapes and therefore the movement within a picture.

I also think that we are naturally drawn to triangular shapes – they can help create balance and perspective within an image, and often appear in images without being purposely planned.

Filed under OCA - The Art of Photography (TAoP), Project 26, Section 3: Elements of Design · Tagged with OCA, TAoP