Balance is when you arrange elements in a photo in order to create a form of stability. Balance is important in a photo because it gives the photo harmony and completeness. It helps the viewers eye be guided through the image in a thoughtful way. There are five different types of balance including symmetric balance, tonal asymmetric balance, subject asymmetric balance, color balance, and conceptual balance. Symmetric balance is when a photo creates equal weight in a photo. Tonal asymmetric balance is when you use light and dark tones to create a balanced photo. Subject asymmetric balance is when objects are arranged unevenly on each side of the photo but it still has a sense of harmony. Color balance is when you add a pop of color to a dull photo to create a more unique image. Lastly conceptual balance is when you contrast something in a photo. This can look like contrasting old and new or manmade and organic.
How I Used Balance
The rest of this post is going to be centered around me showing you examples of how I used balance to create complete photos.
This picture shows color balance because there is a pop of color in the neutral background created by the rocks.
Both of these pictures show symmetrical balance because both images have a subject that is symmetrical, meaning both sides of the subject look the same or very similar.
This picture also shows color balance because there is a pop of red among the neutral colored jackets on the clothing rack.
These photos both show asymmetric balance because they feel balanced but both sides of the picture are no identical. The photo on the right balances itself because of the main subject (Lilah) and the tree in the background.
This picture shows conceptual balance because it has a contrast between the open used paint, and the new, sealed paint.
This photo also shows conceptual balance because there is a contrast between the beauty in nature and the garbage beneath the bridge. This is my featured photo because I like how the photo tells a story. It shows the way humans have corrupted nature with their waste and modern technology.