Take this shot for instance. We can analyze it with respect to what aesthetic elements it contains realizing that some folks will find ones whom others do not and which escape our perception. That is the nature of aesthetics itself. Firstly there are a series of Contrasts which serve to make the photograph more striking and interesting. The moss covered rocks in the foreground contrast subject-wise with the smooth grasses further into the landscape. The white Aspens trunks resonate with both the foreground rocks and the road and grasses and provide a link (or Transition) between foreground and background. They also balance out the photo and anchor it by acting as the main subject of the photo. The fact that they repeat also adds balance and a touch of suggesting reflection to the mood of the viewer.
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These three photos are intended to illustrate two other aesthetic principles and/or combinations of them. The two principles are those of Anticipation and Repetition. The large "anchoring" rock and cliff in the foreground of the photo in the upper left (LaSal Mtns and Moab Valley) seems to "set off" the remainder of the photograph. But actually a more descriptive way of putting it would be to say that this element creates "anticipation" for the valley and mountains in the distance. In an interesting variation of this, the above photograph of "Indian Run" in Rockport, PA employs the anticipatory or anchoring element more towards the middle of the photo in the form of the major part of the cascade which then leads towards the bottom of the image where the water tumbles over the small cliff like falls. And so a sense of anticipation can begin at any point in the photograph; not just the "lower right or left" placement.
Now the photo immediately above (taken at Badlands NP) makes use of the aesthetic concept of Repetition. One can easily see that the form in the immediate foreground is repeated many many times as it fades off into the distance. That assists the viewers eyes to flow through this image. Another aesthetic which we find utilized in this photo is that of the power of Suggestion! The large area of both light and dark elements (Contrast) combining with the dimly lit forms and bands of color in the sandstone seems to ask the viewer to be drawn into more detail in the darker areas. We are stimulated to see if there is more to be awed by. Interestingly, there is an analogy between this aesthetic and one of how we think. Often we think about a subject firstly on the surface or in an "overview" kind of mode. (Even these words relate to seeing a landscape). Then we may see that there is more to the subject and we begin to think more deeply about it. The same thing can occur here as we ponder and probe the "depths" of this sandstone formation.
It is my hope that anyone reading this may be encouraged to respond with "aesthetic" views and elements of your own which you wish to discuss, dialog and gain more insights on through this blog. Please feel free to do so!
Now the photo immediately above (taken at Badlands NP) makes use of the aesthetic concept of Repetition. One can easily see that the form in the immediate foreground is repeated many many times as it fades off into the distance. That assists the viewers eyes to flow through this image. Another aesthetic which we find utilized in this photo is that of the power of Suggestion! The large area of both light and dark elements (Contrast) combining with the dimly lit forms and bands of color in the sandstone seems to ask the viewer to be drawn into more detail in the darker areas. We are stimulated to see if there is more to be awed by. Interestingly, there is an analogy between this aesthetic and one of how we think. Often we think about a subject firstly on the surface or in an "overview" kind of mode. (Even these words relate to seeing a landscape). Then we may see that there is more to the subject and we begin to think more deeply about it. The same thing can occur here as we ponder and probe the "depths" of this sandstone formation.
It is my hope that anyone reading this may be encouraged to respond with "aesthetic" views and elements of your own which you wish to discuss, dialog and gain more insights on through this blog. Please feel free to do so!
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