Compose Your Frame

This is an image of 100 South Street just north of Dixie State University. Despite it being a simple photo, it incorporates the diagonal rule, a motion vector, and the rule of thirds.

 The road itself shapes a distinct diagonal that moves toward the right side of the frame as it draws near. Because of this, the eye is led through the frame as if watching a car approach from the left and travel off to the right. The south side of the road is closer to being level, but also contributes to this effect. These elements, in combination with other markings on the road, make for a greater sense of motion within the frame than if the lines were perfectly straight up or down.

All the cars act as motion vectors, but the nearest is the most effective, swaying the net force to the right rather than the left. This is to be expected as the closer the proximity of an object to the frame the more amplified the psychological context gets. We understand that cars move, especially on roads. This context makes it clear that the vehicles are not merely parked. It can reasonable be assumed that the white car would continue moving forward were we to see another “frame” into the sequence, and this further contributes to a feeling of action within a still image. I also believe the traffic markers pop more on account of their diagonal stripes.

Last, the photo acknowledges the rule of thirds, placing the white car (an object of focus) at a point of intersection. Furthermore, the top third line lies very near the horizon making for an all-around stronger composition.