Blog Entry 2: What Makes Photography Art?

Everyone has a different idea of what specifically makes photography art. What is listed below are my own ideals of what is the basic criteria for photography. I'll touch on each one.

Criteria for Photography:

1. An artist

2. Technique

3. Style

4. Intention of Message

5. Principles of Design

-Balance

-Rhythm 

-Contrast

-Unity

-Emphasis

-Movement

6. Elements of Design

-Line

-Shape

-Form

-Texture

-Pattern

-Space

-Color

Elements of Design: 

The elements of design are very important to remember when creating a photograph. 

Line: Lines help draw the viewer's attention to a specific point in the photograph.

Shape: Shape can be a lot of things. Mainly though, it is considered to be the overall flow of the subject with the objects of the image. 

Form: Form is considered to be a 3-Dimensional shape and is accented the best by side lighting and use of shadows.
Texture: This is generally used to add a "3D" effect to your photograph and to add a sense of touch to your image.

Pattern: Pattern is the unity in which pieces of the photograph flow together

Space: Space refers to the negative space within a photograph. 

Color: The colors within a piece have been carefully considered and they flow together. 

Principles of Design: 

Balance: This distribution of the visual weight of the subjects in the photograph

Rhythm: Is created when one or more elements of design are being used.

Contrast: The arrangement of opposite elements.
Unity: The feeling of harmony that subjects in the photo create. It should be noticeable throughout your photograph.
Emphasis: Part of the photograph that catches the viewer's attention.
Movement:  The path the viewer's eye takes as it goes through the photograph. 

-Calista Gonzales