ABSTRACT
In addition to content a variety of visual elements such as line, colour and tone often influence a photographer’s framing of an image. The eye naturally or intuitively seeks to create a ‘symmetry’ or a harmonious relationship between these elements within the frame. When this is achieved the image is said to have a sense of ‘balance’. The most dominant element of balance is visual weight created by the distribution of light and dark tones within the frame. To frame a large dark tone on one side of the image and not seek to place tones of equal visual weight on the other side will create imbalance in the image. An image that is not balanced may appear heavy on one side. Visual tension is created within an image that is not balanced. Balance, although calming to the eye, is not always necessary to create an effective image. Communication of harmony or tension is the deciding factor of whether balance is desirable in the image.
