One of the better-known theories of perception is Gestalt Psychology. It deals with the way we organize information (usually visuals, but not always) into wholes. While Gestalt Theory isn’t mentioned very often in discussions about composing good photos, I think that’s a mistake; these principles can clearly improve your compositions.
In this video, I dive into four of the most relevant components of Gestalt Theory for photographers: the Law of Closure, the Law of Similarity, the Law of Common Fate, and Figure-Ground Organization. Knowing how each one works can help you organize and structure your compositions to be as strong and effective as possible.
Here’s the video:
I do want to emphasize that Gestalt Theory is much broader than what I’ve covered here. I didn’t want to stretch any of the theory’s claims beyond recognition, so I only covered the topics that I think relate the most to photography. If you want to read more about Gestalt Theory, the Wikipedia page here has a very good overview.
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Well Spencer,
Another exceptional and rewarding lesson, you definitely have a gift
Thank you
………….Gary
Thank you, Gary! That’s very kind, and I’m glad you enjoyed the video.
I personally found this to be a refreshing take on the process for composing images. Nicely explained.
Thank you! Happy to hear it.
I’d prefer to read and make my own instructional images. Is there a print version?
I’m afraid not, this time. My apologies.
Most of our videos are based on existing articles on Photography Life, so there’s usually a print version, but this one isn’t. I have no plans to write one for now because of time issues.
Very interesting video! I find it fascinating to learn how the mind (and eyes) process visual information, and how we can use this in our photography. This video has given me more to think about and a desire to dig deeper and learn more.
Really appreciate it and glad it gave you something to think about!
I am a psychologist and a photographer and use the Gestalt Theory in both my picture taking and sport psychology practice–using the Theory’s main insight–that the whole is more than the mere sum of its parts, e the “team” can always accomplish more that the individual players can…a car can drive forwards and backwards, but the individual parts can’t. Each part of a picture tells part of the story that the whole picture tells. Make sense?
That absolutely makes sense! I also think that point can be used as an argument against chasing pixels. A good photo – whether taken with an old crop-sensor camera vs the newest full-frame – remains a good photo. Its impact doesn’t lessen because the smaller parts (pixels, and pixel quality, in this case) have changed.
Is it not “different” than “more”?
Very interesting and very informative.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Spencer. I found the video very interesting and informative. I’m a novice photographer. I noticed that you used several different cameras; it seemed to be a mix of full and cropped frame models by Nikon. When would you use full and cropped frame cameras? I have a Nikon D7100 and am considering changing to a D750 to gain the benefit of full frame photography.
Thanks, Brian! I did use many different cameras for the sample photos here, but that’s mainly because these pictures span several different years of my photography. I went D7000 > D800E > Z7, and that accounts for most of the photos in this video. I also have reviewed and tried out other cameras along the way, like the Nikon D7500 and D3500, which accounts for the other images.
In practice, I don’t use crop-sensor cameras any more, since – all else equal – the only inherent benefit is lighter weight (aside from price). Individual crop-sensor cameras have other benefits, of course, but I’m happy with my current setup and don’t need to sacrifice sensor size to gain any of those benefits.
That doesn’t mean switching to the D750 is necessarily the right move for you, as the D7100 is already an excellent camera. If you need the shallower depth of field, better high ISO performance, or full field of view for certain full-frame lenses, though, it may be worth the switch.
Thanks Spencer, very interesting video with simple examples to clarify the concepts to be explained. I always find your photography composition lessons very useful.
Pino
Much appreciated, Pino! Glad that you enjoyed it.
Interesting video, but it would be better if you left the images on the screen LONGER while your narrative is playing in the background. Just my 2 cents!
Most useful video. This is a subtle subject, very difficult to explain. Thanks for doing this video.