The following is a direct copy and has been Pasted in for future reference from the Art of Photography coursework PDF Doc. (pasted in Maroon)
2 photographs
Produce at least two photographs, one should convey rhythm, the other pattern. Remember that in rhythm there needs to be a sequence in the picture, so that the eye will follow a direction and experience an optical beat.
For the pattern photograph, be careful with the framing. Pay attention to your distance from the subjects and/or your choice of focal length, in such a way that you show no boundaries to the pattern. Patterns work strongly when they fill the frame, so that the eye can imagine them continuing well beyond it. When you have completed the exercise order all the images with a note of what they represent about the elements of design.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Equipment
Nikon D4
24 / 70 f2.8 lens
Method
In this exercise I have presented 2 pictures, the first picture represents rhythm the second pattern.
Please see pictures and captions below for more description and details.
Note – all pictures have been compressed hence there will be a quality reduction when enlarging.
Picture 1 (Hampton Court – Rhythms and Patterns)
This picture was taken with an 24 / 70mm lens, aperture of f9 and a speed of 200th sec. ISO 400, focal distance 30mm.
The image above was taken inside the courtyard complex of Hampton Court, the repetitive nature of the columns and windows provides a good example of what is meant by rhythm in a picture.
Picture 2 (The Star of Persia – Rhythms and Patterns)
This picture was taken with an 24 / 70mm lens, aperture of f4.0 and a speed of 200th sec. ISO 100, focal distance 70mm.
Shown above is a cropped picture of a wonderful looking flower “The Star of Persia” (Allium Christophii). Each six petal display is near identical but their cluster is more random in pattern. I deliberately cropped this image to keep the pattern very tight and also within the frame
What have I learnt from this exercise
This exercise has taught me the difference between Pattern and Rhythm and I have also gone one step further in this exercise and shown another type of situation or effect called symmetry. The difference between rhythm and symmetry can be confusing as they are quite similar but the difference is true symmetry is identical about a centre line where as rhythm can start and finish anywhere within the frame.To give an example of symmetry and the difference between the two, I have included an example below. For the difference please compare picture 1 (rhythm) with picture 3 (symmetry).
Picture 3 (Waddesdon Manor – Rhythms and Patterns)
This picture was taken with an 24 / 70mm lens, aperture of f8 and a speed of 320th sec. ISO 250, focal distance 46mm.
I have deliberately included this picture as it provides a good example of symmetry, not to be confused with rhythm. The picture is a front view of Waddesdon Manor (Buckinghamshire) and in this picture if it were not for the people, lamp posts and cars it could be suggested that it is symmetrical. As we can see there is a difference between rhythm and symmetry.
I have also learnt to pay attention to distance from the subject and focal length, and be certain to show no boundaries to the pattern i.e. totally fill the frame. Patterns work strongly when they fill the frame, so that the eye can imagine continuation beyond the frame.
Thoughts and Reflection
This was another exercise and learning curve which I enjoyed, Its not until somebody spells certain things out that:
a) You fully recognise and understand the direction and meaning of the picture i.e. the difference between pattern and rhythm. In the past I would have just looked at either of these photos not recognising this and probably said “yeah…. Nice picture”
b) The rules involved in either taking a pattern or rhythm photograph.
In an exercise like this, colour really plays no part …. Sure it can add impact and perhaps even recognition but with patterns its all about textures. Again the same can be said about colour with rhythm and in this case rhythm is all about repetitive content.
stingray493 