Basic Design Principles Part 2 Tone, Texture, Light, And Shade

Tone and Texture

This specifically applies to drawings more than photography,but tone and texture are very important. Tone refers to shading oflight and dark on an object and texture is the visual and tactilesurface characteristics of an object.

Here's a list of things that affect the tone and texture of an objects appearance.

1. The direction from which the light is coming. (Left, right, above, behind, or below.)

2. The intensity of the light. (Candlelight or sunlight.)

3. The type of light (Light from the setting sun or flash.)

4. Objects standing between the light source and your subject or object. (Light passing through a thin fabric.)

5. The color and texture of the object. (A fuzzy blanket looks a lot different than a piece of granite.)

Light and Shade

Light always travels in a straight line and depending on thelocation of the light the object or subject can look dramaticallydifferent. To understand this principle get a roll of film a lightsource, a lamp, an object or a family member. Take a series of photosof your subject start with the light source at twelve o'clock take eachsuccessive photo moving the light source to each position on the clock.When you look at your photos you will be amazed at how different yoursubject looks in each image. This exercise is great for anyone wantingto understand how light changes the look of a subject.

Shade

Shade or shadow and more commonly known as contrast is thedegree of difference between the light and dark areas. An image withvery black blacks and very light whites has high contrast. An imagethat is mostly shades of gray has low contrast. Contrast is determinedby the intensity of the light source. Adjusting the contrast can helpyou create a very realistic image or a fantastic one.

If you have some specific questions please visit my Photography and Design Forum at: Kellypaalphotography.com Bulletin and post your question there.

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