Counterpoint and Visual Harmony

Wikipedia defines counterpoint as counterpoint involves the writing of musical lines that sound very different and move independently from each other but sound harmonious when played simultaneously. Lets think about counterpoint as it relates to the visual harmony of photography where certain elements in an image are like notes or chords, independently different, but when played together or in this case composed together in a symbiotic relationship create a visual harmony.

Counterpoint can be the relationship between soft lines and hard lines, light and shadow, circles and squares or movement and stillness to name but a few. When the photographer can compose these counterpoint visuals in a meaningful and dynamic way in a photograph, he or she is on her way to creating a symphonic image, if you will.

In this shot of Swirling leaves below second falls of Shays Run, there are several compositional elements at play here. First and foremost is the counterpoint relationship between the circular swirling leaves at the bottom of the frame in contrast with the diagonal lines of the rocks and waterfall itself. Also take note of the inclusion of the jagged triangle shaped rocks at the bottom. These are power shapes that immediately drawl the eye into the image and direct it t the swirl of the leaves. From there the eye swings it's way around the swirling leaves and lands on the waterfall in the upper middle of the frame. It is this use of counterpoint and power shapes in harmony with the beautiful falls, autumn color and soft water that for me creates a powerful image that is composed from design and shape based compositional concepts. In fact, this is the way I approach every composition I seek out. In other words, I am not photographing a waterfall or a mountain or a flower, but rather composing a series of shapes, lines, and colors in a an image that visually create a certain harmony or sound that is pleasing to the viewer.