Are you one of those people who are unable to put one foot after another, to follow a choreography or move to the sound of any music? Are you unable to distinguish the rhythm of a song, the rattle of a train or the song of a bird? Well, you are what is known as an arrhythmic person. But don’t worry, first because you are not alone and second because, luckily, this article will talk about rhythm, but not the one we feel through the ear but the one we contemplate through the sight, (Sigh of relief? 😉 ) .
If you want to delve into photographic composition and learn all the tips and tricks for the most impressive photographs, I recommend this mega guide that we have prepared for you.
What is visual rhythm?
It is one more element of photographic composition and is based on the arrangement of shapes on a plane. When these forms are arranged in a repeated and orderly way and in a constant or variable way, as patterns, we are introducing rhythm in the image.
What do I use it for?
It is a visual resource that is used to print dynamism to the image, creating a sensation of movement and helping us to compose the elements of the photograph.
- Harmony: the rhythm can be harmonic as long as it is not interrupted; the sequence is repeated with nothing to “disturb” it.
- Tension: visual tension is generated by breaking the formal sequence.
What types of rhythm are there?
The most commonly used types are:
Uniform
The uniform originates through regularly repeated shapes. Depending on the free space between them, we will obtain a slower one (a lot of empty space between the shapes) or faster (less space between them)
Alternate
The alternating rhythm, as its name suggests, alternates two or more different forms on a regular basis. For example:
increasing or decreasing
Repetition of the forms of the image progressively enlarging or shrinking.
Radial Rhythm
It is the one that starts from a central point and expands progressively from it.
radial rhythm
symmetric rhythm
Starting from an imaginary axis, he places the same shape on both sides of the image.
Ways to capture rhythm in a photograph
1. Through color
The combination of different shades or colors also creates rhythm in an image. You can create alternating sequences, break it, alternate it, and so on.
Getting rhythm through color
2. Through the lines
As you know, lines are another important element of photographic composition. Through its repetition or alternation, you can create different rhythms.
3. Rhythm in nature
In nature you will find rhythm in everything you see, since it is essentially formal, full of curves and patterns: in the nerves of a leaf, in a sea shell, in the petals of flowers, in the wings of butterflies. or in the repeated trunks of trees.
4. Rhythm in architecture
Cities are full of architecture, and architecture of patterns. Zebra crossings, facades, columns, benches, walking legs, etc. There are millions of rhythmic elements around you, it’s just a matter of searching a bit 🙂
5. Break the beat
Rarely a good image is sustained only by a point; that is, we always need the combination of several elements in the image: the light, the framing, the center of interest, the color or the absence of it, etc. Rhythmic forms are no exception, and they usually need something to accompany them to enhance the image. An image based solely on ritual (for example, stairs) may ultimately lack interest, so it is important to know in advance to be able to look for or wait to find elements of tension that break the rhythm and generate interest in the image.
6. The human element
An image based simply on the repetition of forms, what we have previously called “harmonious” since there is nothing to interrupt its evolution, runs the risk of becoming an image bored or uninterested. Rhythm does not always have to be an end in itself. It is one more compositional aid to add interest to the image. Adding a human component to your images will help you on the one hand to break the patterns, and on the other it will give you a clear center of interest in the image.
7. Light and shadow
Playing with the opposition, with the play of light and shadow, can also provide you with very interesting rhythmic patterns for the composition of your image.
8. Rhythm and other basic composition rules
Obtaining images based on rhythm is not always easy. We have already commented on how easy it is to fall into “too” formal images that are uninteresting or boring. That is why it is important that you rely on other basic composition rules.
For example, you have decided to photograph the horizontal lines of a zebra crossing, there you have patterns, but not much interest. Suddenly, someone walks by wearing red shoes that are very suitable for breaking the rhythm of your image. Why don’t you take advantage of the moment and place them, for example, in a third? (Rule of thirds), what if you leave him room towards where he is going? (law of the gaze).
9. Fill the frame?
If you fill the frame with rhythmic shapes, the feeling you will convey is that the succession of rhythm continues beyond the photograph; the impression that there is continuity outside the frame. If instead you decide to leave free space, the image ends, it has a beginning and an end.
10. Practice
Yes, as always in this art, the more you practice, the more times you look for it, find it, frame it and photograph it, the easier it will be for you to exploit its possibilities.
The first few times your compositions may look wonderful in the moment and terrible on your computer screen. Surely something was missing or you forgot to combine it with other composition techniques to support your image. The next time you will take it into account and you will fail again in something that until that moment had not occurred to you. The third, the fourth, or the fifth time you will know exactly what you want and how you want it and when you see it on the computer you will not be surprised because you expected exactly that 🙂 . That can only be achieved with practice. Well, with practice, enthusiasm, perseverance and patience 😉
And you know, if you liked it, if it made you want to go out dancing (oh no, what were you? Arrhythmic? 🙂 ) to look for images of lights, shadows, uniform patterns, alternating, natural, architectural, what whatever, and you think it might be useful to someone else, share it on Facebook, Twitter or Google+. Thanks! 🙂