Symmetry
For other examples:
Sebastião Salgado p. 45
Apollo 17 p. 113
Dorothea Lange p. 115
Few could argue with the simple beauty of symmetry. It’s something that has universal appeal, satisfying our primal need for order.
Alkan Hassan instantly draws us into his composition through symmetry. The man is positioned right in the middle of the frame while the lines of the buildings draw our eyes into him like the triangle of a sealed envelope.
Symmetry isn’t simply a case of composing your image like an ink blot. It’s about creating an overall sense of harmony and balance.
The symmetry here reflects the state of mind of the subject. There’s nothing anxious about him. Whatever or whoever he’s waiting for, he seems totally calm and at peace with the world. It’s an image of utter tranquillity in the built environment.
Placing your subject in the middle of the frame is a good way to create symmetry. Just be warned: there’s a fine line between balance and boring. If everything is too perfectly mirrored, an image can feel a little soulless. Allow the human elements to creep in. The little things that draw our attention without upsetting the balance. Imagine this image without that bag – everything might start to feel a little too perfect. A little too phony.
Above the City
Alkan Hassan
2010