Project 29: Applying the Elements of Design

This project is a mini-assignment really, the aim being to apply the insights learnt so far on the course about design into a set of photographs directed towards one type of subject. I chose to do landscape as the theme, and have taken a series of photos, mostly from the Isle of Mull or the Isle of Arran both on the West coast of Scotland where we have visited recently. Like with the assignments, it was good to have a challenge in mind when out taking photos, and I feel I have been more successful with some shots than others in fulfilling the criteria, though as a group I think it works quite well.

Vertical Lines: Taken off the Isle of Staffa, which is in turn off the Isle of Mull. This is a photo of Fingals Cave in amazing high seas, with the waves crashing against the rocks. The vertical columns are basalt and are commonly seen on Mull and its islands, but Fingals Cave is the most famous. Mendelssohn was so taken he wrote a symphony! I only managed this photo...

120mm, f/5.6, 1/750s, ISO200

Implied Triangle: Also taken of the Isle of Staffa, more basalt, but this time it has expanded and shrunk variably, forming an implied triangle, particularly from the low angle of the boat where I was located (wedged in a corner due to the bad swell!). The white water running down between the columns adds to the photo.

145mm, f/8, 1/500s, ISO200

Curves: Loch Na Keal, Isle of Mull. The high tide marks are identified by the seaweed which has washed ashore. These form nice curves on the rocky beach.

59mm, f/11, 1/350s, ISO200

Point (plus horizontal & diagonal): A single tree, Isle of Mull, stands out against the water and background hills (diagonal and horizontal elements here too), with dappled light playing on the surface of the hills. The tree is a strong single point which the viewers eye keeps coming back to.

200mm, f/11, 1/350s, ISO200

Diagonal: A simple landscape shot of a valley, Isle of Mull, and a house (point) where the main diagonal is simply formed by the background valley. I cropped the sky away at the top to help emphasise the valley.

70mm, f/11, 1/350s, ISO200

Implied Triangle: 3 boats on the water form an implied triangle, Isle of Mull.

170mm, f/19, 1/250s, ISO200

Two points: The contrast here is between the standing stones (similar age to Stonehenge), and the small (modern) house in the distance in this low contrast photo. Isle of Arran Standing Stones.

700mm, f/5.6, 1/180s, ISO100

Several points in a deliberate shape: A photo of sand and seaweed where the seaweed is loosely 'arranged' in a triangluar/squashed rectangle arrangement. Isle of Arran.

70mm, f/6.7, 1/250s, ISO200

Distinct Shape: This photo of two birds on a dark rock, waves breaking and the distinct shape on the horizon of an island called Ailsa Crag is really effective. Taken from the South coast of the Isle of Arran.

200mm, f/5.6, 1/250s, ISO200

Pattern: A close-up photo of swirling white bubbles on dark water gives an abstract feel to this photo. Cambridge, UK.

70mm, f/9.5, 1/350s, ISO400

Rhythm: A narrow DOF emphasises some grasses and against a hill in the background. This is not a really strong rhythm photo but I think it shows elements of rhythm.

70mm, f/8, 1/1000s, ISO200