Gestalt

For the next project I have to look at Gestalt psychology and then produce three images which use it's principles within their composition.

Gestalt is the name given to a series theories that where devised by a group of German and Austrian psychologists in the early 20th Century.  From these theories a number of laws and principles were created that can be used in artistic composition in order to have an effect on how the viewer perceives an image.

Some of these Gestalt principles have been used to great effect by artists such as M. C. Escher and Salvador Dali.

Whilst the theories laid out by Gestalt are not perfect they can be used by photographers in order to make more interesting shots.  The main interest for photographers lies within the Gestalt laws of perceptual organisation which are as follows.

1. Law of Proximity.
The mind organises elements within a photograph according to how close they are to each other.

2. Law of Similarity.
The mind tends to group together objects or elements that are similar either by shape or content.

3. Law of Closure.
The mind seeks to create recognisable shapes from groups of elements in order to create completeness.

4. Law of Simplicity.
The mind seems to prefer simple shapes and lines as well as balance and symmetry.

5. Law of Common Fate.
Elements that are grouped together in an image are perceived by the mind to move together as one.

6. Law of Good Continuation.
The mind tends to attempt to continue shapes and lines beyond the limits of the image.

7 Law of Segregation.
to allow the mind to perceive an element within an image it must stand out from the background.