Principles of Photography
Principles of Photography, completes the composition of an image. The elements and principles come together to form a successful image and help create better and more interesting images. There are 7 principles of Photography i.e. Pattern, Balance, Negative Space, Grouping, Closure, Colour and Light/Shadow. By applying these 7 principles, Photographers can create a complete image in the foundation of art theory.
Pattern 
Patterns makes sense of the visual world through regularity. Elements of design can be put together in a predictable manner to form a pattern. Incorporating patterns lifts the image of the page and is like exploring the different photographic techniques. This effect creates a calming effect to the viewers and draws the attention to it. Patterns also create a visual harmony and familiarity.
Balance
Balance makes the composition look aesthetic. It is used to show the visual weight of the image and can unite or create division. The balanced picture emphasizes the stability of the image. Whereas, an unbalanced image causes imbalance or disunity, which later creates a disturbance in the viewers point. The balance includes Symmetrical balance and Asymmetrical balance.
Negative Space 
Negative Space or the space behind the subject with no emphasis. The dead spaces or the negative space distracts the viewer’s eye, with no focus on one element or in one direction. The focus main element is considered as the space surrounding which can be fixed later diminishes the quality of a photograph. Inorder to achieve a harmonious and well balanced picture, one has to consider the elements and principles of Photography.
Grouping 
Grouping forms a co-linear or line of direction of the image. Shapes and lines are perceived as a single element and the rest are considered as unified shapes or lines. The Human Brain likes to group things together, by making sense of the image. One can group an image through following the elements of design or else the image has more potential to become abstract if its background has too many items.
Colour 
Colour contributes a lot to any photograph and it’s more than creating a visually pleasing element. It sets the mood and frames the subject. Contrasting colours are eye-catching as they don’t blend into each other and they create a separated line between two subjects, which forces the viewer to stare longer. Cool toned images can create a dark or mysterious image whereas a warm colour creates a lighter and happy mode.
Closure 
Closure or the tendency to fill the missing gaps in an informative way to finish a story by the Photographer. This is an important method which must be followed in order to not make the image look incomplete. It creates a feeling of chaos when it is imbalanced.
Light and Shadow 
Light and shadow plays a major role in Photography. When there’s absence of light, it is generally overlooked and shadows can help the eye to a specific point which creates a composition. Shadows are also used as a hint of drama which highlight an image and emphasize the light. Having both light and shadow creates a balance.
Principles of Photography help one understand the basics of Photography and help them apply these techniques to compose a perfect picture. The Photographer needs to understand the elements and principles of Photography and how they complement each other. To learn the in depth of Photography one can enroll in the 3 month Diploma course in Photography.
