Gestalt (Proximity/Similarity)

The above photo is an incomparable example of the Gestalt theory in action. This particular image shows the power of proximity. The objects all shaped like people are perceived as being together as one tree because of their closeness and uniformity. One could also argue that this picture shows a great deal of similarity, simply because each individual form shares the same visual characteristics of size, color, and shape. 

One-Point Illusionary Perspective

This image shows the one-point illusionary perspective, or the vanishing point. As your eye follows the length of the picture, the beach seemingly continues until the parallel lines appear to converge at one point. This picture is not straight on, and so the beach lines are quite wide to begin with, and then the strip of beach becomes narrower and narrower.

(Own Picture)

Lighting (Flat)

This image is a perfect example of the basic design principle of the use of lighting. Obviously, the shadows in this photo are minimized; mostly utilizing strong, flat lighting to illuminate the picture. Having the figures so close in the picture makes it seem crowded and uses the bright light to its advantage. This type of lighting also shows very little depth, so this photo seems to look quite shallow, almost two-dimensional.

(Own Picture)

Cool Color

This image shows a cool color design; it's calming effect is due to the bluish hues that dominate the picture. The light blue of the water and the light tan of the sand blend as the white-capped waves rush in to meet the land. The water recedes into the background, creating an illusion of a never-ending scene. A horizon line is also present in this picture. Even the light-colored clothing adds to the peaceful environment this photo is depicting. 

(Own Picture)

Warm Color

The above photos are excellent examples of the basic design principle use of warm color. These photos are bright and interesting; catching the eye and drawing the viewer to the brilliant color of the forefront. Warm color pictures are designed to agitate and expand, allowing the observer's imagination to run wild. One thing I especially like about these photographs is the contrast between the oranges and other warm colors and the green color because it makes the warmer colors stand out all the more.

(Own Pictures)

Asymmetrical Balance

Both of these images show a deliberate imbalance in sides of each photo. Asymmetrical, or informal, balance is used to create stress, excitement, or overall energy within the picture. I could not choose between the two because I am drawn to both. I find that they create an interesting tension that would not have been present had the photos been taken with perfect symmetrical balance.

(Own Pictures)

Figure-Ground Relationship

This picture shows a figure-ground relationship. Basically, the correlation between the foreground and the background is the figure-ground relationship. The positive space, or what we tend to pay attention to, is the figure. The negative space, or everything else in the picture, is the ground. In the above picture, two separate scenes can be distinguished. If you look at the picture and see two human faces, then the figures are the faces and the ground is the white-red combination in the background. If you look at the picture and discern a goblet, then that is the figure and the black sides are the background. Sometimes figure-ground relationships are easily recognized, while others are ambiguous or vague.