Basics Creative Photography 01: Design Principles

Jeremy Webb is a photographer and tutor with over 25 years' experience. He has travelled extensively throughout Europe, shooting stock for agencies; joined a team of cruise ship photographers based in Florida; and was an expedition photographer with an environmental charity based in Tanzania. More recently, his work with 'light painting' has received much attention, and has been featured in the British Journal of Photography, as well as numerous published portfolios and websites.

Introduction. Basic design theory: The role of the viewfinder in photography; The use of space; Positional decisions; Case study 1 - Points of view; The rules and when to break them; Exercise 1 - Cropping. The elements of design: Line; Shape or form; Space; Texture; Case study 2 - Light and time; Light; Colour; Exercise 2 - Design limitations. First design principles: Pattern; Repetition; Interruption; Variety and unity; Case study 3 - Depth and light; Rhythm; Contrast; Exercise 3 - Form and structure. Depth and scale: Overcoming limitations; Actual and illusory depth; Scale and proportion; Case study 4 - Style and setting; The absence of scale; Abstraction; Exercise 4 - Abstract images. Movement and flow: Directional forces; Case study 5 - Lines and shapes; Containment; Flow direction; Exercise 5 - Observation. Emphasis and emotion: Point of interest; Focus areas vs areas of de-focus; Juxtaposition; Case study 6 - Juxtaposition; Incongruity; Mood and emotion; Exercise 6 - Themes. Putting it all together: Expressing views and visions; Symbolism as visual shorthand; Case study 7 - The vernacular; Creative strategies; Exercise 7 - Concepts and ideas. Conclusion. Glossary. Bibliography and webography. Index. Acknowledgements and picture credits. Working with ethics.