What is a flag? Not the kind that flaps in the wind at the top of a flag pole; what is a flag in a photography studio or on a film set? And, for that matter, how are flags used and why? We’ll get started with a quick definition, then dig into practical tips for using flags in both photography and cinematography contexts. Continue reading Flagging Lights — How to Use Flags for Filmmaking & Photos
Quentin Tarantino is known for a lot of things: distinct dialogue, explosive violence, pop culture pastiches. But his movies also contain another less-discussed element that is as important as his other signatures: food. In Tarantino movies, food is crucial. It can reveal character traits, propel plots, and expand themes. Some of Tarantino’s most famous scenes revolve around the consumption, or discussion, of food and drinks. In this post, we’ll give you a comprehensive list of all the food in every Tarantino film, along with analysis of some of the most significant examples.Continue reading Quentin Tarantino Food Scenes — The Complete…
When it comes to art, human beings are drawn to both harmonious and antagonistic compositions. While harmony in art can evoke pleasing emotions that viewers are drawn to, art with conflict can create greater intrigue and story. One of the most valuable techniques for creating the latter in art is contrast. What is contrast and what is its place in art?Contrast can be used in nearly every art form in numerous ways. But it’s important to understand the “Why?” behind its ubiquitous use in art. In this article, we’ll take a look at why artists and consumers of art alike…
Composition is all about how you arrange the elements within your work of art. These visual elements either fall under positive or negative space. What is positive and negative space and how do they work together to create a better competition? In this article, we’ll take a look at how the two work together through proportions and positioning. And how the choices you make in composing positive and negative space ultimately determine your composition. Continue reading What is Positive and Negative Space — And How They Work Together
Whether you are a painter, photographer, or filmmaker, composition is one of the foundational principles of any visual artwork. No matter what equipment you are using, composition and the principles of compositions are tools you always have at your disposal. So what is composition and why is it important to know? Understanding how to compose your frame or artwork will help you convey the emotion or story you want to your audience. Developing your eye for a great composition starts with learning the basic principles of it. So let’s dive in. Continue reading What is Composition — A Guide to Composition…
The Elements of Composition in Art, Photography & Film (FREE Ebook)A comprehensive and accessible guide for artists, photographers and cinematographers looking to master the elements of composition.We'll cover over a dozen elements of composition like lines, shapes, balance, and including various compositional techniques within each. Composition in ArtWith these elements of composition in your repertoire, your vision be will clearerEvery image tells a story. While writers use words, artists, photographers and cinematographers tell their stories through images. The language used to tell stories through images is composition.This complete guide walks you through many of the major elements of composition in art,…
The shape of a circle is perhaps the shape that humans have been drawn to the most throughout history. It’s endless nature, often symbolic meaning, has been a useful subject in different forms of art. One of the best ways to create the circle in any form of art is through radial balance. Radial balance is a less known type of balance than symmetrical and asymmetrical balance, but its use can be found throughout history. Let’s take a look at radial balance throughout to learn more about its effects in composition. Continue reading What is Radial Balance in Art — Composition Techniques
How an image is composed is one of the most effective ways to visually communicate what is important to a viewer. Perhaps the most direct compositional technique at doing this is filling the frame. This simple technique can deeply change what an image means to a viewer when used with intention and creativity. In this article, we’ll take a look at the effects of filling the frame and how you can use the technique in your own work. Continue reading Fill the Frame Photography & Composition Techniques
Have you ever wondered what the ‘p’ stands for in 720p? What about the ‘i’ in 1080i? They stand for progressive scan and interlaced respectively, but what do those terms actually mean? We’ll be defining both as well as weighing which is better and why. Let’s get started by comparing the definitions. Continue reading Interlaced vs Progressive Scan — All the Differences Explained
Have you ever stood next to a work of art and felt small? Whether it was a sculpture, painting, or building, odds are whoever created it aimed to make you feel that way. And they achieved this through scale. Human beings have a natural awareness of size and space. Artists often use this awareness to elicit specific responses in the viewers of their work. What is scale in art and composition? In this article, we’ll take a look at how scale is used to achieve these responses. We’ll also analyze the difference between scale and proportion and how proportion in cinema…
