Contrast is a design principle that artists and photographers have used to create compelling, interesting pictures. Contrast is achieved in a photo when two things with visible differences are presented in the same frame. Here are simple ways to create contrast in your photo and enhance its artistry.
1. Find Contrast Between Sizes of Elements in the Frame.
Using scale, a contrast between sizes of elements in the frame, adds interest to a photo. Finding a small element against a larger element brings a sense of majesty and awe to an image.
Scale: birds and a huge lake. Copyright Aloha Lavina.
2. Find Contrast of Values Between Light and Dark.
You don’t have to put your camera away during times when the light is harsh! Setting out to shoot photos when both the light and the shadows are harsh and sharp can give you photos with drama.
Harsh contrast in light creates drama. Copyright Aloha Lavina.
3. Find Contrast of Elements in the Image.
Requiring a little more luck and keen observation, creating a photo with contrast in its content can allow you to create a story in an image.
Find contrast in content. Copyright Aloha Lavina.
4. Find Contrasts in Texture.
Shiny and dull, smooth and rough—these are some contrasts in texture that you can find and capture around you. This is a contrast that has been used by graphic designers to add oomph to their designs, and you can use it in your photos to do the same.
Contrast in texture. Copyright Aloha Lavina.
5. Contrast in Lines
Lines that travel in opposite directions can add interest to a photo. Opposing lines add tension to a frame—the eye is pulled in different directions, adding a dynamic quality to the image. In the next photo, the vent on the top left pulls the eye left, while the direction the girl is walking pulls the viewer eyes right. This type of contrast is a little more subtle and takes practice to find.
A subtle contrast in direction. Copyright Aloha Lavina.
Adding contrast to your compositions can give your photography that added awesome sauce that you’ve been looking for. Look for some contrast this week, and you may discover it will nudge you toward creativity.
3 Comments
Nice. Love the different facets of contrast.
I really enjoyed your article. It’s informative and right to the point. Thank you for opening up the definition of contrast as it relates to photography.
Great article – to the point and useful. i link to this in a post at my site I was inspired to write based on the use of contast as a literary device. But its artistic effect is as relevant in visual art, music, or other media. This is linked at:
https://rsmithing.com/2012/02/07/contrasts-make-connections/
As an appreciator of contrast, I’d encourage anyone to share their perspective, having read this piece as well.