The Magic of Photography

Photography has never been my strong suit. I have modeled for years and been in front of a camera, but to be behind the camera and see what it takes to really make an image look great is quite fascinating.

Pixalbay.com

This photo uses the rule of thirds. Notice that the tree is not in the center of the photo but rather on the side- If we draw a grid on this photo we will see that the red tree is on the right third of the photo. It creates a new and interesting angle to draw the eye to the focal point but also allowing the eye to follow the tree around to the other mystical treasures that the photo holds.

Rule of Thirds
Mudassir Ali

Leading Lines are fascinating, aren’t they? Look at all these lines, straight and curvy that draw your eye down the path to a certain location. What a fun way to picture something. It is as if you are taking the journey with those in the photo.

Rule of Leading Lines
Jennifer Murray

This picture is just beautiful! This little girl is in a world all her own as she collects the leaves that are freshly fallen from the surrounding trees. Can you smell the leaves? Can you feel her whimsy and adventure? I sure can! This is a great photo of depth of field. Look at how this little girl and her red wheelbarrow are front and center and everything else seems to suggest depth and distance.

After seeing these photos taken by other, I had to create some of my own. Here is my poor rendition of these same 3 rules.

How enchanting and empowering to know a little more about how the eye of an expert photographer works. Although my photos are lacking in expertise for sure, they gave me the opportunity to experience these 3 rules. Now you go out and try it for yourself- see if you come back having learned a new skill.

Reverse Engineering: Typography

Beauty Magazines have some of the best Typeface options. They appeal to your sense of fashion and beauty. The draw you in, quietly saying, “pick me up, I will call to your feminine and creative side”. When we do pick them up we find so much more than what is on the cover. But let’s be honest, would we even open the book if it didn’t appeal to us in some way? The typeface used in this example is one of many that understands the use of typeface and how to draw your customer in. This Vogue Magazine with Kim Kardashian is her 7th time on a cover of a Vogue magazine this time on Vogue Taiwan, published by CONDÉ NAST PUBLICATIONS.

Vogue is known for their Modern Signage. They print it in Bold and Black letters so their readers don’t have to look far for their fashion fix. Along with being stacked full of amazing and colorful ads, Vogue is one of the leaders in fashion advice and their covers never disappoint.

To contrast the black, modern, trademark name, they place a simple word in a beautiful script- written in white ink. It contrasts the name but also draws your attention to the model (Kim Kardashian) on the cover. They continue the script type at the bottom left of the magazine with the highlight of the magazine and it’s cover model.

Both of these are eye popping and contrasting to draw in the interest of all those that look at this magazine cover. Without all these designs together, the magazine might seem like a simple picture with little interest for the reader. The Magazine’s interest is to create an interest- not only in the magazine purchase, but also to entice those who read this to trust the sources within. Each sponsor who enlists their ads in this magazine knows that they will always be seen by many readers because Vogue never disapoints!