Elements and Principles of Photography

Leading Lines

When lines in a composition draw the viewer's eye to the main subject.

I really enjoy walking along the pier when I go to the beach.

Vertical Lines

Lines leading up and down (north and south) lead the viewer's eye in an upwards or downwards direction to draw focus to the subject of the photo.

I live in the middle of the woods so naturally, one of my favorite spots to relax and think is among the trees in the woods.

Horizontal Lines
Lines going from left to right that usually convey a message of "stability or rest"

The lines and stripes of colors in the sunset make my eye go from left to right, left to right (and this sunset has my favorite colors in it)

Diagonal Lines
These lines add a dynamic feel and action to an image. They can also lead the eye in a certain direction.

I like chilling on the deck on summer nights and the planks of wood in this shot remind me of that.

Curved Lines
Draw the eye into frame by using a line that isn't straight.

I really like walking along the railroad, especially in the fall like this shot.

Symmetrical Balance
Creating a sense of balance by having both sides of the image almost identically match up.

I'm truly terrified of heights but I face my fears anyway because I like the views once I  get high up.

Asymmetrical Balance

Sides of the shot would not exactly match up when folded in half.

I drink either tea or coffee everyday so naturally this shot of tea cups drew me in.

Unity
When you take parts of a shot and bring them together with something to combine into a better whole

I really take an interest into different people and each person's different histories, etc and this shot captures a lot of people and their stories in just a photo of their hands. 

Variety
Using differences in hues, texture, lines, and shapes to create a sense of excitement or diversity in a piece.

Since I'm italian, I'm addicted to cooking and these vegetables just remind me of being in the kitchen getting ready to cook.

Movement/Rhythm
Different elements move the eye around the shot and occur regularly to create a sense of balance.

I took ballet for 10 years and had to quit because of my knee, so this photo reminds me of my ballet days.

Emphasis
Area or object within the artwork that draws attention and becomes a focal point

I really enjoy gardening and this flower and the way the colors are so bright just strike my eye.

Proportion/Scale
When a subject is bigger or smaller than something in comparison to it to show its  true size

I love the way the snail looks so dainty and cute in comparison to the blueberries.

Repetition/Pattern
When a subject occurs multiple times throughout a shot to create interest

One of my favorite places in the world to relax is the beach and the bumps of the waves onto the sand are just natural beauty to me.

Bird's eye view
Shot taken from above looking down

NYC is my favorite place in the world, not that I could take a photo like this for my project but it would be really amazing if i could.

Worm's eye View
Shot that is taken close to the ground looking up at a subject or straight up at a subject

Again, I love the city, and this shot is just really cool yet simple, and it just really inspires me

Horizon Line

Natural line going left to right across a shot to separate the top and bottom halves naturally

                

I love sunsets and sunrises and the colors in these photos just really inspires me to get up early and go out to get a shot of a beautiful sunrise like this.

Rule of Thirds
Using the "tic tac toe" board to align a subject along one third of the shot to add interest

Dogs are one of my favorite animals so naturally I'm drawn to this example.

Framing
Using previously existing objects to surround a particular subject to draw the eye to focus on that subject

This would probably be my dream location to take a photo because it's just so beautiful.

Simplicity

When one subject in the photo draws all the attention with no clutter or obstruction surrounding it

I like the grain of the wood and the boring colors in contrast to the vibrant yellow dandelion.

Texture
Shot that shows the subject's roughness, softness, etc.

I like how clear and in focus the texture on this reptile is and it inspires me to go take a close up shot for texture so the viewer can REALLY see the texture.