Reading an Image:Elements & Principles of Composition

• Line• Color• Shape/Form• Space• Texture

• Balance• Contrast• Movement• Emphasis• Pattern• Proportion• Unity

Elements of Composition

• Line• Color• Shape/Form• Space• Texture

Elements of Composition

• Line• Color

– Hue– Value– Intensity

• Shape/Form• Space• Texture

Primary

Secondary

Warm

CoolValue

Intensity/Saturation

ColorWheel

Elements of Composition

• Line• Color• Shape/Form• Space• Texture

Elements of Composition

• Line• Color• Shape/Form• Space• Texture

Elements of Composition

• Line• Color• Shape/Form• Space• Texture

Principles of Composition

• Balance• Contrast• Movement• Emphasis• Pattern• Proportion• Unity

Principles of Composition

• Balance• Contrast• Movement• Emphasis• Pattern• Proportion• Unity

Principles of Composition

• Balance• Contrast• Movement• Emphasis• Pattern• Proportion• Unity

Principles of Composition

• Balance• Contrast• Movement• Emphasis• Pattern• Proportion• Unity

Principles of Composition

• Balance• Contrast• Movement• Emphasis• Pattern• Proportion• Unity

Principles of Composition

• Balance• Contrast• Movement• Emphasis• Pattern• Proportion• Unity

Principles of Composition

• Balance• Contrast• Movement• Emphasis• Pattern• Proportion• Unity

UNITY

Balance Contrast

Movement Emphasis

PatternProportion

Reflection

• What is the tone or mood of the image?• What symbolism or cultural references are

being use?

• What is the message?• Who is the intended audience.

???Krista Siniscarco

ksinisca@hamilton.eduInstructional Technologist

Hamilton College