artmediaphotography.com | Volume, shadows, depth, modules, details, blurring and an image composition.

Art school on volume, shadows, repoussoir, depth, modules, details, blurring and space creating parts in an image composition.

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Repoussoir

Repoussoir (from French = pull back), is the secret of all postcard photographers to create a depth in the images. To create this depth you position an object in the foreground of the image.

Repoussoir, is the secret of all postcard photographers to create a depth in the images. To create this depth you position an object in the foreground of the image.

Example: Caspar David Friedrich (1774-1840)

Details – blurring

Details are brought forward in an image and blurring is pushed to the horizon. This is how we see things with our eyes and can be used to create space.

Example: Turner (1775–1851)

Atmospheric perspective. Lighter towards the horizon

Air perspective.
Lighter colours are perceived as further away.

Lighter colours are perceived as further away. Air perspective.

Example: J. M. W. Turner (1775-1851)

Saturated colours appear closer

Saturated colours appear closer than unsaturated colours.

Example: Lars Hertervig (1830-1902)

Composition – Shadows create volume

Shadows are important and space creating. Sometimes shadows can explain volumes much better than the object itself. A flat circle becomes a ball through the appearance of a shadow.

Shadows are important and space creating. Sometimes shadows can explain volumes much better than the object itself. | Example: Edgar Degas (1834-1917)

Example: Edgar Degas (1834-1917)

Modules create space

Modules with a similar shape, but in different sizes, create space. Three or more creates a stronger effect than two.

Example: Francesco Guardi (1712-1793).