Design Principles Book

1 – Basic design theory                                                               

The role of the viewfinder in photography

The use of space

Positional decisions

Case study

The ‘rules’ and when to break them

Exercise

2 – The elements of design                                                       

Line

Shape or form

Space

Texture

Case study

Light

Colour

Exercise

3 – First design principles                                                       
Pattern

Repetition

Interruption Variety vs unity

Case study

Rhythm

Contrast

Exercise

4 – Depth and scale in two dimensions                                   

How to use design principles to overcome limitations of the 2-D image

Actual depth vs. illusory depth

Scale and proportion

Case study

Absence of scale

Abstraction

Exercise

5 – Movement and flow                                                              

Directional forces at play within composition

Containment

Case study

Flow direction

Exercise

6 – Emphasis and emotion                                                      

Point of Interest

Focus areas vs areas of defocus

Juxtaposition

Case study

Incongruity

Mood and emotion

Exercise

7 – Putting it all together                                                        

Using design principles to powerfully express views and visions

Use of symbolism as visual ‘shorthand’

Case study

Creative strategies

Exercise

Conclusion