Are you one of those people who are unable to put one foot after another, to follow a choreography or move to the sound of any music? Are you unable to distinguish the rhythm of a song, the rattle of a train or the song of a bird? Well, you are what is known as an arrhythmic person. But do not worry, first because you are not alone and second because, fortunately, this article will speak of rhythm, but not the one we feel through the ear but the one we contemplate through the view, (Sigh of relief? ).
WHAT IS THE VISUAL RHYTHM?
It is another element of the photographic composition and is based on the arrangement of shapes in a plane. When these forms are organized in a repeated and orderly manner and in a constant or variable way, as patterns , we are introducing rhythm in the image.WHAT DO I USE IT FOR?
It is a visual resource that is used to print dynamism to the image, creating a sense of movement and helping us to compose the elements of photography.- Harmony: the rhythm can be harmonic as long as it is not interrupted; the sequence is repeated with nothing that "disturbs" it.
- Tension: visual tension is generated by breaking the formal sequence.
WHAT TYPES OF RHYTHM ARE THERE?
The most commonly used types are:UNIFORM
The uniform originates through repeated forms regularly. Depending on the free space between them, we will get a slower one (a lot of empty space between the shapes) or faster (less space between them)ALTERNATE
The alternate rhythm, as its name implies, alternates two or more different forms on a regular basis. For example:INCREASING OR DECREASING
Repeating the shapes of the image enlarging or dwarfing progressively.RADIAL RHYTHM
It is the one that starts from a central point and expands progressively from it.SYMMETRIC RHYTHM
From an imaginary axis, place the same shape on both sides of the image.WAYS TO CAPTURE THE RHYTHM IN A PHOTOGRAPH
1. THROUGH THE COLOR
The combination of different shades or colors also creates rhythm in an image. You can create alternate sequences, break it, alternate it, and so on.2. THROUGH THE LINES
As you know, lines are another important element of photographic composition. Through its repetition or alternation, you can create different rhythms.3. RHYTHM IN NATURE
In nature you will find rhythm in everything you see, since it is essentially formal, full of curves and patterns: in the nerves of a leaf, in a sea shell, in the petals of flowers, in the wings of butterflies or on repeated tree trunks.4. RHYTHM IN ARCHITECTURE
Cities are full of architecture, and pattern architecture. Zebra crossings, facades, columns, benches, walking legs, etc. There are millions of rhythmic elements around you, it's just a matter of looking a little5. BREAK THE PACE
Rarely does a good image hold only one point; that is to say, we always need the combination of several elements in the image: the light, the framing, the center of interest, the color or the absence of it, and so on. Rhythmic forms are no exception, and usually need something to accompany them to enhance the image. An image based solely on rite (for example stairs) may finally be uninteresting, so it is important to know in advance to be able to search or wait to find tension elements that break the rhythm and generate interest in the image.6. THE HUMAN ELEMENT
An image based simply on the repetition of forms, what we have previously called "harmonica" since there is nothing that interrupts its future, runs the risk of becoming a boring or uninteresting image. Not always the rhythm has to be an end in itself. It is a compositional help to add interest to the image. Adding a human component to your images will help you on one hand to break the patterns, and on the other it will give you a clear center of interest in the image.7. LIGHTS AND SHADOWS
Playing with the opposition, with the play of light and shadow, can also provide you with very interesting rhythmic patterns for the composition of your image.8. RHYTHM AND OTHER BASIC COMPOSITION RULES
Obtaining images based on rhythm is not always easy. We have already commented on how easy it is to fall into "too" formal images devoid of interest or boring. Therefore it is important that you rely on other basic rules of composition. For example, you have decided to photograph the horizontal lines of a zebra crossing, there you have patterns, but not too much interest. Suddenly, someone passes with some very suitable red shoes to break the rhythm of your image. Why don't you take advantage of the moment and place them for example in some third? (Rule of thirds), What if you leave space for the place you are going to? (law of the gaze).9. FILL THE FRAME?
If you fill the frame with rhythmic forms, the feeling you will convey is that the rhythm sequence continues beyond photography; the impression that there is continuity outside the frame. If on the contrary you decide to leave free space, the image ends, it has a beginning and an end.10. PRACTICE
Yes, as always in this art, the more you practice, the more times you look for it, find it, frame it and photograph it, the easier you will have to exploit its possibilities. The first few times it is possible that your compositions look wonderful at the moment and terrible on your computer screen . Surely something was missing or you forgot to combine it with other composition techniques to support your image. Next time you will consider it and you will fail again in something that until then had not occurred to you. The third, fourth, or fifth time you will know exactly what you want and how you want it and when you see it on the computer you will not be surprised because you expected exactly that . That is only achieved with practice. Well, with practice, enthusiasm, perseverance and patience And you know, if you liked it, if you had an incredible desire to go dancing (ah no, what were you Arrhythmic? ) To look for images of lights, shadows, uniform patterns, alternate, natural, architectural, what be, and you think it may be useful to someone else, share it on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ Thank you! Find everything about JavaScript in the cheat sheets, read the script blog or use the other free online JS tools.