• not actual lines
• made from the way objects are placed
• often will imply a line itself ex.) tree

• run up and down
• help stimulate feelings of dignity, height, grandeur, and strength 
• ex.) buildings, trees, standing people

• denote response, calm, tranquility, and peace
• ex.) a lake or desert 

• gives sensation of force, energy, and motion 
• You can tilt the camera 
• ex.) bent trees, the slope of a mountain

• combines charm and strength 
• adds interest and beauty 

• ease the eye into the picture area then take it right to the main subject
• usually start in the lower left area of the picture 

• the way subjects connect to each other 
• draw the viewers eye from subject to subject 
• TRIANGLES and DIAMONDS work the best

• can organize different landmarks
• divide the frame into 2 triangles 

when lighting is on the bright end of the spectrum

used to portray delicate or feminine 

when lighting is to the dark end of the spectrum

highlights dark elements 

• shapes or lines that repeat themselves 
• often used as secondary elements 

connects film, shows time pass, ect. 

can be achieved by balancing color or weight

adds creativity and weight

doubles size

space left unused 

• adds emphasis to main subject 
• usually just one color (doesn't need to be solid)

• separates the screen into 3 horizontal and 3 vertical parts
• the human eye doesn't like to rest in the center of the screen
• easy to manipulate by changing position and focus

AKA mathematics of design

ratio of 1.618 to 1

creates harmony and balance

everything should be planned

don't have distracting background elements 

dramatizes subject 

adds strength and dominance