Form and Background

Form and Choosing a Background

In order to create an amazing photo with impact we need to consider "Form & Choosing a Background". SHAPE & FORM are two different things. Shape is flat, and has two dimensions, whereas FORM has DEPTH. We the viewer live in a three dimensional world, so we love looking at images with depth and form.

Watch this YouTube video which explains this element of design in more detail:

How we use light can really add depth and form of our subject. If you want to draw out form, then consider how the light is hitting the subject.

1. Firstly, choose something that has a really incredible shape and is 3 dimensional.

2. CHOOSING A BACKGROUND: any image we capture has a background, but how we use it and what background we choose will impact our photo. You must consider what is behind the subject, so it allows your form to really pop and stand out. Our goal is to draw our viewers eye to what we want them to see, and for the background to not distract from our subject. Your background needs to be consistent, not distracting but simple. You don't want things behind them, to draw your viewer away from your subject.

3. Once you have chosen your 3 dimensional object and place it on a suitable background you should now think about LIGHT. Choose lighting to emphasise the 3D shape. You could use light from a window or a torch for example. Often SIDE LIGHT can really create depth for our subject matter.

4. Finally, photograph your 3D shape from a variety of different angles. Take at least 12 photographs. Remember to apply your knowledge of the rule of thirds.

5. Choose your favourite 3 photographs and edit them. You can use your mobile phone or the free Snapseed app to edit. I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO EDIT YOUR PHOTOS IN BLACK AND WHITE, WITH A STRONG CONTRAST!

6. Create a collage of your favourite edited shots using your phone or the PicCollage app. Watch these YouTube videos which show you how to do this: Phone collage, PicCollage app.

Tips:

• SHALLOW DEPTH OF FIELD: portrait mode will allow your background to go blurry, allowing your subject to contrast and really pop. Or use Focos app and choose a large aperture to shoot with, so your background blurs. Your goal is to isolate your image, and being considerate of using this setting will really emphasize your form.

WAGOLL

Below is an example of the collage of photographs you will create following this lesson:

Eye Mergers

Mergers are created when key parts of the image overlap each other, touch each other or overlap the sides of the frame. Think animals with their legs chopped off, trees growing out of the top of people's heads. That kind of thing. They contribute to poor composition of the shot, look visually weird and should be avoided.

Have a read of this website to see some examples.

Task:

1. Look through the photographs in your phone gallery. Find 5 photos that have cluttered backgrounds, eye snags and/or mergers that distract from the focal point of your image.

2. Take a screen shot of your photo, and using the pen or marker tool on your phone, circle all the distractions.

3. Essentially you are critiquing your own photos and looking for the mistakes. Turn in all five screen shots. You can upload them on a collage if you want, or simply upload all five. Watch these YouTube videos which show you how to do this: Phone collage, PicCollage app.

Fun bonus task: take a photograph using mergers and forced perspective on purpose to create a fun shot. Have a look at these Google images to for examples.

WAGOLL

Below is an example of a photograph, where the eye snags and mergers have been circled: