Composition & Visual Design Flashcards
6 cards from real Photography and Media practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Composition & Visual Design flashcards as text
What is the 'decisive moment' concept coined by Henri Cartier-Bresson?
Answer: The precise instant when visual elements align to create a meaningful and aesthetically perfect photograph
Cartier-Bresson's 'decisive moment' refers to capturing the exact instant when a scene's visual and emotional elements come together in the most powerful and telling way.
What does 'Dutch angle' (or Dutch tilt) refer to in photography and cinematography?
Answer: Tilting the camera on its roll axis to create a diagonal horizon
A Dutch angle involves tilting the camera sideways on its longitudinal axis, creating a diagonal horizon that conveys tension, unease, or disorientation.
What is 'juxtaposition' as a compositional technique?
Answer: Placing two subjects with contrasting qualities side by side to create meaning
Juxtaposition in photography places contrasting or complementary subjects, colors, or textures near each other to highlight their differences and create visual interest or narrative meaning.
What is 'foreground interest' in landscape photography?
Answer: Including a compelling element in the near foreground to add depth and draw the viewer into the scene
Foreground interest involves placing an engaging subject or texture in the near foreground to add depth, scale, and a visual entry point into a landscape photograph.
What does 'aspect ratio' refer to in photography?
Answer: The proportional relationship between a photo's width and height
Aspect ratio describes the proportional width-to-height dimensions of an image, such as 3:2 (full-frame DSLR), 4:3 (Micro Four Thirds), or 1:1 (square).
What is the 'background' in photography and why does it matter in composition?
Answer: The area behind the subject that affects context, clutter, and how well the subject stands out
The background provides context for the subject and, if busy or distracting, can undermine the composition; a clean or complementary background strengthens the subject's impact.