BackgroundComposition is the way you place elements on the digital canvas or the way the videographer or photographers frames the scene. It is the arrangement of form and tone to communicate ideas to the viewer.
Narrative gains traction by choosing compelling visual or auditory elements to include that tells the story. It is best to backup and consider the bigger picture to determine the subject of a scene or shot before committing to how the elements will be framed. Good layout takes time and practice. ImportanceComposition makes a difference. The selection of elements that are included in a portrayal along with the placement and layout of those elements is what makes meaning. Daley (2003) suggests that visual literacy is more than being able to read visual forms but should include creation. She states the following in regards to creating NewMedia:
"Such principles as screen direction, the placement of objects in the frame, color choices, morphing, cuts, and dissolves all do much more than make a screen communication aesthetically pleasing. They are as critical to the creation of meaning as adverbs, adjectives, paragraphs, periods, analogies, and metaphors are to text. " Everything in a an image or video activates meaning, so there is nothing that should be included that is not adding to the message. Even something like blank space is communicating meaning.
No element is neutral. Subject & BackgroundA good composition has a clear subject and background. With a clearly defined subject and background the viewer has an easier time interpreting and navigating the representation. The form can link the subject with the background. Know what the subject is.
Composition is all about guiding the eye to the subject of the message. test - contextualizeA useful test of the composition is to put it into a context and see if it works. For instance, if it is going to be a poster on a wall put it on a wall - you can do this virtually with Photoshop or other image editing applications. The virtual plant and vase below (Potted Weirdness) is an example. The plant and vase were created in a 3D modelling application but when placed on the texture of a real floor, one gets a sense of how this would look in a context.
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PurposeHere is a list of potential purposes of effective composition:
Surprise...go big or go home! Remember our eye and attention is drawn by what is different so surprise if used judiciously can be highly effective.
Further StudyTo understand the concept of composition further, explore the following sections:
PerspectiveDepthSimplicityLine & ShapeBalance & TensionProportionNegative SpaceColourContrastDominanceContinuityCoherenceREPETITIONHierarchyPositioningHarmonyTextureCaptionsBreaking rules |
References
Adams, Sean. (2013). Foundations of Layout and Composition, Lynda.com. retrieved from http://www.lynda.com/Design-tutorials/Foundations-Layout-Composition/
Daley, E. (2003). Expanding the concept of literacy. Educause Review (Mar./Apr.) Retreived February, 2004 from http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/erm0322.pdf
McWade, John. (2013). Before & after: Things every designer should know. Lynda.com. Retrieved from
http://www.lynda.com/Design-Page-Layout-tutorials/Before-After-Things-Every-Designer-Should-Know/
Daley, E. (2003). Expanding the concept of literacy. Educause Review (Mar./Apr.) Retreived February, 2004 from http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/erm0322.pdf
McWade, John. (2013). Before & after: Things every designer should know. Lynda.com. Retrieved from
http://www.lynda.com/Design-Page-Layout-tutorials/Before-After-Things-Every-Designer-Should-Know/