ASSIGNMENT 3: COMPOSITION - JOHN HEDGECOE

Definition:

Composition is the placement or arrangement of visual elements or ingredients in a work of art, as distinct from the subject of a work. It can also be thought of as the organization of elements of art according to the principles of art. The term composition means "putting together," and can apply to any work of art, from music writing, that is arranged or put together using conscious thought. In the visual arts, composition is often used interchangeably with various terms such as design, form, visual ordering, or formal structure, depending on the context. In graphic design and desktop publishing, composition is commonly referred to as page layout.

Comment:

This picture is very interesting. There is quite a big contrast with the shade and makes it seem quite disheveled in a way. By using this black and white technique, it's as though the photographer, John Hedgecoe, is trying  make the subject look as old as possible also, the style of clothing he's wearing contributes to the old theme. My eyes are automatically drawn to this man's head. This is because not only is his head centered, but his hands look almost as if they're holding his head and the variation of size (having the head smaller than the hands) is odd and unnatural. His head is also highlighted whereas the rest of the image is atramentous.  

Context

This photograph is of the famous sculptor Henry Moore with his hands stretched out in front of him. This is representing what he does for a living. His hands which he used for making sculptures create a natural frame for his head, therefore making it more noticeable. 

composition in Photography from Mariamasfour

I thought this slideshare was good because it clearly states what composition is and what elements it should contain.

Help Site:

http://www.colorpilot.com/comp_rules.html