Photo Project: Symmetry

Join other photographers as we explore the world around us, and understand the various principles of photography as we do so. We start off with looking at Symmetry, and how we can use symmetry in our compositions to tell us something more about the subject, to create an emotion or to create an aesthetically pleasing image. We wrote this article about how to use symmetry. Take a look at it, and then return here to join us in this exploration.

In order to take you photography to the next level, one must consider aspects of it beyond just technical skill… Photography is a skill; but at some point that skill must be superceded by aesthetic considerations in order to be considered ‘art’.

Lets start off with a simple project. One that everyone could take part in, that will help you develop your photographic eye, and help you stock up your photographic bag of tricks.

What is Symmetry?

Symmetry is a key element of nature itself, and more importantly to us, in man, and his creations. In your composition, and in your subject, symmetry brings out simplicity amongst complex shapes, and makes things easier to understand.

Symmetry is everywhere. It is when you look at a perfect square, or a bar of chocolate, when you push all your chairs in at your dinner table, or when you look at a racing car. You see it in your architecture, in domes, in arches, in staircases and in doors. You see it in your computers and cellular phones. It is possible that it also makes things more beautiful to behold, and is hard to ignore once you start looking around… Symmetry is everywhere.

Symmetry is not always the best choice for a subject though, and knowing when to use symmetry to enhance the features of the subject, or the subject of your photograph is something that comes with practice and a critical eye.

Some Examples of Symmetry in Photography

Take Part – Show-Off Your Photos With Symmetry In Them

To be part of the Photo Project, take three photographs with the theme ‘symmetry’ kept in mind. Upload them to Flickr, and add them to the Beyond Photo Tips Flickr Group with the tag “BPP-symmetry“.

10 days from now, I’ll pick at least one photograph from every participant’s submissions and post them all up here on Beyond Photo Tips for everyone to see. So be on your toes, and think before pressing that shutter-release button. You don’t want to be showing off anything but your best work, right?

If  you find the process interesting, why not write about it and put it up on your blog so that others can benefit too? If you’ve got any thoughts to share, but just want to jot them down quickly, do leave a comment at the bottom of this post.

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