2024 - Week10 - Symmetrical Composition
Chosen & Submitted Photo
Breaking Symmetry
This week really kicked my butt. I don't know why, but I struggled quite a bit. I ended up at an escalator and then waited for a contrasty pair of shoes against the black to add a bit of interest to the photo.
The Challenge
Imagine capturing scenes where everything lines up just perfectly, like a mirror image come to life. This week, we'll be going for Symmetrical Composition. Think buildings reflected in still water, perfectly aligned rows of trees, or even the mind-blowing symmetry of a butterfly's wings. The possibilities are endless, and the results can be mesmerizing.
WATCH: Off the Rails ep. 144 - "Balance vs Symmetry"(for patrons)
But hold on, grasshopper! Mastering symmetrical composition takes more than just pointing your camera at the nearest puddle. The key to nailing this challenge is spotting symmetry in everyday scenes. Train your brain to see reflections, patterns, and repeated elements. Look for architecture, nature, objects, anything that catches your eye with its balanced beauty. Remember, perfection isn't the goal, but finding interesting and unexpected forms of symmetry is!
Think beyond the obvious: Sure, symmetrical buildings and landscapes are stunning, but don't be afraid to get creative! Experiment with close-up shots of flowers, abstract patterns on everyday objects, or even create your own symmetrical compositions using props and backdrops. Don't be shy about experimenting with unconventional symmetry – a row of colorful bicycles, a lineup of quirky street signs, or even a flock of birds in perfect formation.
You can take a photo of a pair of subjects; think, for example, of a portrait of twins or of two beach chairs next to each other. Maybe you could be standing in the middle of a bridge with the exact view on the left and right of you. And then there is also rotational symmetry, where the same pattern repeats itself in a circle, for example, the iris of an eye or the outer edge of a decorated plate.
At the end of the day, symmetry isn't just for mathematicians – it's for anyone who wants to capture the world with a dash of balance and a whole lot of fun!
- Taken From the 52Frames Challenge Page
