Composition and Visual Design Flashcards
7 cards from real Photography practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Composition and Visual Design flashcards as text
What is 'tonal contrast' and how does it influence composition?
Answer: The difference in brightness between light and dark areas that creates visual separation
Tonal contrast is the difference in lightness between adjacent areas; high contrast between subject and background naturally draws the viewer's eye to the subject.
Which compositional guideline suggests that an odd number of subjects (1, 3, 5) is usually more visually pleasing than an even number?
Answer: The rule of odds
The rule of odds states that an odd number of subjects creates a more dynamic, natural-looking composition than even numbers, which can feel too symmetrical.
In a photograph, what does a wide-angle lens do to the sense of space and depth compared to a standard lens?
Answer: It exaggerates perspective, making the foreground appear larger and the background smaller
Wide-angle lenses exaggerate perspective, stretching the apparent distance between near and far subjects and making foreground elements look dramatically larger.
What is 'selective color' as a compositional technique in post-processing or in-camera settings?
Answer: Desaturating most of the image while keeping one color element vivid to draw attention
Selective color isolates one color in an otherwise black-and-white image, immediately directing the viewer's eye to that specific colored element.
When composing an environmental portrait, what is the purpose of including the subject's surroundings?
Answer: To provide context about the subject's life, occupation, or personality
Environmental portraits use the surroundings to tell a story about who the person is, their work, or their world, adding depth beyond a traditional headshot.
What is 'visual tension' in photographic composition?
Answer: The sense of unease or energy created when elements seem to compete or pull against each other in a frame
Visual tension arises when compositional elements like diagonal lines, off-center subjects, or contrasting shapes create a sense of energy, conflict, or imbalance.
Which compositional strategy involves stepping back (physically or with a wider lens) to show a subject within its larger environment or context?
Answer: Establishing shot or wide establishing composition
An establishing shot uses a wide view to show the subject in relation to its surroundings, giving the viewer a clear sense of location and scale.