When it comes to photography, aesthetics usually refers to the features that stand out immediately to the viewer or the observer. Such characteristics may include composition, colors, lines, light, the choice of a subject, as well as how observers feel while looking at the pictures. Aesthetics are commonly linked to the concept of image quality. It is a feature that immediately catches the attention of the viewers. One of the best ways to understand aesthetics in photography would be to go through the works of Bruce Weber Photographer and other industry professionals, and carefully observe them.
When talking about aesthetics, most people refer to something that tends to be more pleasing to the eye, no matter whether it is a sculpture, painting or photograph. Choosing to work on a personal style and trying to get familiar with aesthetics are two different processes, but one would get the opportunity to work on both while practicing photography. They may develop a sense of aesthetics by gradually studying and mastering the concepts that are helpful in creating appealing photos, and making them easy to understand for the viewers and effectively convey the emotions the photographers would want to share.
Here are a few photo composition elements that usually influence the aesthetics of an image:
- Leading Lines: The eyes of the viewers usually are led automatically by geometrical figures and lines. Leading lines aid in putting greater focus on the subject and makes them the centre of attention. In case the natural eye movements can follow the lines and ultimately ends up on the subject, it can create quite a harmonious impression.
- Rule of Thirds: A bit different from the golden ratio, the rule of thirds is more of an approximation and it helps in dividing the image into three different areas. It usually is more appealing to place the subject a bit off center. Such an approach is meant for the vertical gradient from bottom to top, as well as in a horizontal aspect from left to right. This ultimately leaves the photographers with four intersections in relation to where they want to place their subject. For instance, in street photography, opting to use the top coordinates allows people to show more from the subject, thereby making them the most preferred points to focus the attention.
- Triangles: In many ways, geometrical shapes and symbols helps in controlling the flow of the image. They contribute to building a basic framework for the viewers to follow, and subsequently creates a bit of a dynamic movement as symbols like circles or triangles are not a dead end.
- Breaking Symmetry: Even though a symmetrical picture is pleasing to the eye, an image that is 100% symmetrical can be too easy to comprehend. To make matters more interesting, people may use a subject that is a bit off the sectional plane.
Professionals like Bruce Weber Photographer are widely renowned for the aesthetics of their images. Their works can be a great example of how to make photographs highly aesthetically appealing.