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!
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