Lens-Artists Challenge #274 – Asymmetry

/ Leya

Donna follows up last week’s Symmetry nicely, with Asymmetry – an informal sense of balance. Asymmetry is the absence of, or a violation of, symmetry.

She asks us: ”Where do you find the imperfectly perfect?” Because, asymmetry does not mean that an image is not balanced. It just means there are different ways of balancing it.

Asymmetry is something most of our photos have, and also what makes many of our shots work. John Ruskin says : ”…to banish imperfection is to destroy expression, to check exertion, to paralyze vitality.”

In many of my own images, I use the Rule of Thirds.

Two starlings – one common in my own area, and another, maybe a common Myna, standing in the rain in a Bhutanese village.

And rules don’t have to be precisely followed either. The balanced feeling is there anyway.

Depth of Field is also a great way to showcase asymmetrical balance.

And why not an S-shaped path that draws your eyes?

Imperfections, run down areas, odd-shaped items, negative space, and light all contribute nicely. Here are some examples of those:

So glad every time I have the chance to feature one of my favourite old images – the backseat of an old wreck in Kyrkö mosse.

Harmony in the picture is the most important thing – symmetry or asymmetry. Maybe ”harmony” should sit in between those two concepts?

Asymmetry in faces are sometimes not easy to cope with. Even if we know that faces are never symmetrical, a lost eye, for example, makes a big difference to how we see the person or animal. These two friends had been playing together, when the game became too tough for the little guy. Still, he managed well for several years with only one eye. And I got used to looking at his new face when I visited my friends.

Architectural asymmetry is common in modern constructions. Harpa in Iceland, and Frank Gehry’s The Guggenheim in Bilbao and Pop Culture museum in Seattle.

Let’s finish with something from the natural world – a must of course. These two from the Butchart Gardens.

And what makes these two work? The frame and the bow shaped lines in the first one. In the second one, the nerves and then the flowers balancing colours and shapes.

A special thanks to Sofia for hosting last week’s challenge, Symmetry. She, and you, made us discover the power and harmony of symmetry. All of your posts were a feast for the eye! Next week, visit Anne of Slow Shutter Speed for more inspirational images as she leads us through the next challenge!

68 reaktioner på ”Lens-Artists Challenge #274 – Asymmetry”

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  5. Wow, Ann-Christine. I love the tractor image, only a very sharp eye would have seen and compose that shot. Excellent. Your architecture photos are brilliant as are the nature, as always. This is a wonderful post.

    Svara

  9. Wow, you are such an artist! These are all lovely. I have been to Seattle many times in the past, but this building is one I haven’t seen. It’s fabulous! I love all the tidbits of tips you left along the path for us to gobble up and look for in our own photo journey. I can’t even pick a favorite picture here, although I love the birds.

    Svara

  11. Ann-Christine, it is impossible to say which photo set I like best. I loved the birds, the dogs, and the architectural examples. Your photos are wonderful and well presented. Great gallery.

    Svara

  13. Great great selections. Dogs are always a favorite, and I’m happy to say the back seat of my car is somewhat neater. Love the green curve building against the chartreuse (?). Excellent, all.

    Svara

    • Thank you, John! I must admit one of our cars is not without resemblance to that one…but we use it in the forest. Love those buildings too, John.

      Svara

  14. You have a plethora of beautiful examples, A-C. The bird on one leg made me smile. The first architectural photo has so many great lines and I also really liked the wrecked car. Of course, loving nature as I do, it was so restful to finish with your last two examples. As always, so well done.

    Svara

  16. A desire for harmony in life methinks also leads to a natural desire to picture it harmoniously . . . ? I tend to look in the lens and I either feel comfortable or just have to move things around. My father pointed out the rule of thirds a long way back . . . yes, it works! Oh, love all your photos . . . perchance the Butchart Garden ones draw me the most with their beauty . . .

    Svara

    • Thank you, Ritva! It seems the dogs are favourites this time. I love that tractor too – maybe because of the stillness and the soft light that morning.

      Svara

  24. I loved all your beautiful examples of asymmetry Ann-Christine. I’m trying to pick out a favorite, but I can’t. I would choose the leaves and flowers, the old car, the photo that followed the old car and all the architecture! Great post.

    Svara

  25. I loved the eclectic feel as I moved through many of your photos, AC. It is amazing what architects can do make their building become art in addition to having functionality. I was particularly drawn to the S-shaped path. Oh to wander the way you do! The pups were a great example of asymmetry. And yes, maybe harmony should sit in-between the two concepts. My favorite photo was the last of the large leaves and a dot of flowers to balance.

    Svara

  26. Absolutely beautiful choices this week Ann-Christine, too many to comment although I loved the old car especially and was so moved by the two pups and the lost eye. Fantastic.

    Svara

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