We continue to study the balance of shapes in Exploring with a Camera this month. I’m curious what you all think of this exploration, since there haven’t been too many participants as of yet, which is unusual. What is holding you back?
Today’s image is from Portland, captured after I visited the Mark Rothko exhibition at the Portland Art Museum a few weeks ago. While visiting the exhibition I fell in love with this painting, No. 8. I sat and looked at it for a long time, wondering what it was that attracted me so deeply. It was partially the colors, but upon further contemplation I realized it was also the balance. This painting perfectly balances color, shape and line. Of course! I would love that in painting, as much as I love that in photography. Mark Rothko’s paintings distill this balance down to essential elements. With his paintings you are not distracted into thinking it is “of something,” as you would be in a photograph. You can see the balance for what it is. I love that!
So, how are you doing with balance? I would love to see. I would also love to hear what you are struggling with, if this topic doesn’t connect with you. Maybe we can explore that together.
I think what’s holding me back is I live in the sticks and my photography goes more to nature. I find a lot of natural balance out here. But maybe I should take a better look at my own dwelling and the out buildings..
I would love to see what you can come up with in nature. Simplify down to a few shapes and see what you come up with.
I went ahead and photographed one of our outbuildings. I’m number 6 on entries. Thank you for the encouragement. I’m going to, also, take a walk and look for the balancing shapes in nature.
I loved what you found Susan! It will be great to see the balance you find in nature too.
Hey Kat. Balance. Funny topic. I like it, but find it difficult. For me it seems an abstract concept….kind of tough for a concrete/anal-retentive/Virgo/analytcial kind of person.
I have been out a couple times and found some things making a mental note that it could be an example of balance. Maybe it’s trying to “balance” balance in my own style. Did I just lose you there?
Not hard to see in your photos, just need to find it in my own.
Have a great weekend Kat.
Yes Susan, balance in your own style! I would love to see how you interpret it.
I love this theme, and hope to work on it this weekend……been too busy this week to even take photos!
Sounds like a busy week! Mine was crazy too. I hope you have some time to breathe and photograph this weekend!
I’m still looking, Kat! This one is very hard for me! I’m going on a little outing Saturday, maybe, I’ll find something there!
Great! Let me know where you’re stuck, and I’ll work on some more examples.
Maybe this topic just requires a bit more thought!
I’ve been thinking about it and I probably have a few shots to use so will post over the next few days!
Thanks Leanne! Yes, maybe it does. It’s hard to know if I didn’t explain it well sometimes. I could be “out in the weeds.”
I think maybe I just don’t relate to this one
That’s ok! Let me know if you would like some more examples, or what type of photograph could help you relate better.
Kat – plan to join in with a post next week.
I look forward to seeing what you find Brenda!
I have to echo some of the others here. I have to work on this and hopefully will have some images to share this weekend. I think I have taken it for granted a lot, ignored it even more, and now that I read your article…I know I am going to be paying more attention to balance in my images.
I think balance often comes naturally, so it’s easy to ignore. I’d love to see what you do with the ideas – shapes or not!
I’m a bit stuck too, but I’m seeing things around me differently and noticing lines everywhere – so that’s a start!
You do know how to get us out of our comfort zones, Kat!
All these great examples from everyone are really inspiring and helping me develop a new eye. I’ll be back – I just need a little more time!
Noticing the lines is a great start Sandra! I know it will lead you to interesting compositions as the concept sinks in. 🙂
Well, I finally did the exercise and my eye got attuned to the lines and the shapes and the balance between them all and over which I had control!
Can you tell me why the link to my photos has a little red cross against it? I somehow always manage to put the link in like this… any idea why?! I must be doing something which isn’t quite correct!
Like in life, we are the creators of the balance and the shape! I love the psychological aspect that can be found in all these exercises!
Hi Sandra, I allow users to delete their own links if they choose – that’s why you see the red “x” beside yours and only yours. There is nothing you are doing wrong.
I like how you extended the concept of balance, and our control over it, to life! Amazing parallels can be found between life and art when we open our eyes to them.
Hi Kat,
Thanks for telling me that I didn’t do anything wrong when I included the link to my blog! So if I understand correctly, each one of us can see a little red “x” beside his/her own name in case we want to remove the link! All is well!
Have a beautiful Sunday.