Elements and Principles Slideshow

http://s304.photobucket.com/user/Suki_Corchete/slideshow/Elements%20and%20Principles%20of%20Art%20and%20Design

 For this project, I faced many new experiences and many obstacles. Before, when I use to take a picture, it was only to capture a memory or to complete a photo shoot for my job. Now, when I point the camera at my target, I will definitely appreciate all the elements and principles that come with it. I'm going to admit, some of these pictures are not so recent due to the terrible weather we have had the past few weeks. However, some of these pictures are from this past fall and were all taken by me and my fiance. I own a Nikon D3000 pro digital camera and take advantage of every moment I have to take awesome pictures of scenery and other events.
     When taking pictures at Allegany National Park, I ventured into many parts of the forest to capture the perfect angles, lighting, and of course, to admire the nature that surrounded me. As I viewed the pictures I chose, I realized that it wasn't me creating these elements, it was natural light, color, lines, and space that created the image. These elements made nature speak for itself; it gave nature a voice.
     Okay, so Delaware Park was the perfect location to capture more elements. The "Live Buffalo" picture had three elements: color, texture, and pattern. It was a true patriotic and vibrant photo that represented the area for what it truly stands (even though right now everyone is dreading Buffalo for its arctic weather).
     I took advantage of my recent mini trip to Florida last weekend to take some more pictures. For balance and rhythm, I could not help but to manipulate certain aspects to represent each principle. Balancing the sword on my head was the perfect literal explanation of balance in a photo. My footsteps on the sand showed rhythm by illustrating a repetitive motion. And there was no better way to represent scale and proportion than to build a snowman this weekend with my lovely partner in crime and stand right next to it! (Okay, there probably is a better way, but this way was the funnest!)
      From this point on, I feel it crucial to take all these elements and principles into consideration. Planning before taking the shot makes you realize what are your main focuses. And don't forget, sometimes these elements are given to us straight from mother nature.