The leaning diagonals balance the composition as "positive" shapes while the elements in between form "negative" shapes that are consequently framed. Despite the absence of color and a riot of texture, the composition is simultaneously dynamic and static.
The multiple trunks of the tree in the left foreground and their upper arches frame the most colorful parts of the composition.
It works equally well in both vertical and horizontal compositions.
This thicket is vibrant with complimentary colors ... red-orange and yellow green ... and given a triadic harmony by including the azure blue sky. But the composition is solid because of its division into vertical thirds thirds anchored by the tree trunks and the white cloud.
There's a lot going on here; hundreds of fallen leaves, colorful trees in left middle and background ... all held together by the leading lines of the rusted bridge, the abandoned railroad tracks and a horizontal division along the top third of the image.
A number of years ago, scientists and mathematicians did some experimentation with paint mixing and stirring. Upon pouring one color of paint into another of contrasting tone, then stirring, these scientists set out to see if they could determine if the stirring generated a chaotic or orderly progression.
And so we have today, as a result, The Mathematics of Chaos -- an outcome demonstrating that, there may not only not be such a phenomenon in the Cosmos as "chaos," but that all Cosmic phenomena are potentially, if not actually, rendered mathematical!
Are you here, Rich? (As I was writing this, I thought of you).
In teaching photographic basics, I have found that the two most difficult aspects for students to master, are composition and exposure. With digital cameras and LCD screens, exposure isn't the frustrator it one was -- take the picture -- see it on the LCD screen -- take lots of variations -- adjust, adjust -- no waiting for film to be developed and unwelcome surprises like under or over-exposed prints!
But solid composition is still king in terms of its importance, and still problematic for many. If you think about it, it does not require good color to create a good image; as proof of this, many viewers actually prefer black and white images over color.
Nature as a photographic subject can appear chaotic ... consider a forest interior, canopy or, a thicket ... particularly in the fall when colors abound, textures are more pronounced and light and shadow seem to dance with one another. At that time, finding order in apparent chaos can reward the photographer with images that make jaws drop.
Here are a few from this year's autumnal "chaos" and ... my search for the order within.
© A. Macarthur/All Rights Reserved Article & Images
