Shapes (2.4)

Requirement

6 photographs

Purpose

To show how to use basic shapes – triangle, rectangle and circle – to bring order and clarity to an image,  especially in still life or in a potentially untidy setting

Technical learning

• Shape can be (a) the outline of an object (like a silhouette) or (b) an enclosure which implies shape (like arms forming a triangle)
•  The more regular a shape, the stronger its effect in an image
•  Light plays a significant role in strengthening shape
•  Basic shapes are of three types: triangle, rectangle, circle
• Other shapes are combinations of these basic types

Creating shape in image is often a case of simplifying composition to remove distracting elements, by: 

• Altering viewpoint
• Moving closer to the subject
• Using telephoto
• Rearrange objects in view
• Change lighting (or waiting for it to change)

The role of shape in composition is to:

• Organize elements of an image
• Enclose so they help elements cohere
• Add clarity in an untidy world

Triangles 

• Occur most frequently
• Most valuable shape
• Have the lowest number of sides and corners of basic shapes
• Comprise ‘active’ diagonals
• Often created by linear perspective (and so add depth): i.e. lines converge to a vanishing point
• Often appear to be ‘pointing’: if viewpoint is low, linear perspective gives an upward pointing triangle; if viewpoint is high, triangle will point downwards
• Examples: group of 3 people, corner of a building photographed from a low angle, hill set against 2 edges of image frame
• Important to distinguish between ‘real’ (i.e. clearly visible edges) and ‘implied’ triangles (i.e. any 3 prominent points will imply a triangle)

Rectangles

• Rectangles have expressive associations of being formal, static, precise, enclosing, artificial
• Usually man-made forms, rarely found in nature, and so tend to be artificial
• More complex than triangles (4 sides, 4 corners), but less dynamic - mimic the shape of the frame
• Horizontal and vertical lines, which when intersecting create rectangles, are the simplest way of dividing the frame
• However, they demand precision since they must be parallel with the relevant 2 frame edges: they need to be photographed face on

Circles

• Rarest of the basic shapes to find
• Usually only arises with circular objects
• Tightest, most compact and enclosing of shapes

Project and review

Produce 3 images each of real and implied triangles

(a) Real Triangles 

Mercedes Benz World, Brooklands 

Triangular subject: the corner of the showroom
has an acute angle. The strength of the triangle
gets prominence by shooting it head on. The 3 rows of
cars on display adds to this effect.

The Shard, London Bridge under constuction

Triangle by perspective, converging
to the top of the frame: Skyscrapers are an
obvious choice. The triangular shape of the building
adds to the impact. However, the 2 cranes weaken
the effect

View from a hotel room 

Inverted triangle by perspective,
converging towards the bottom
of the frame: the downward view from the
12th floor of the hotel creates a strong perspective
and the impression of a triangle. This helps fix
the eye in the frame as well as proide a
leading line towards the street below

(b) Implied Triangles 

Grapefruit in a supermarket

Implied triangle with apex
at the bottom: The grower's label, suitably arranged
as a still life, draws out the triangular shape.
These act as strong points due to the colour contrast
(violet on yellow) 

3 workmen on a building site

Implied triangle with the apex at the top:
The gaze and body shape of the workmen
prompts the triangle of interest for
the eye

Lunch conversation near Borough Market

3 people in a group: the direction of their heads
create an implied triangle. The eye moves round
the triangle, pulling attention towards that space