Photograph or Snapshot?

Figure Ground, a graphic design concept creating a visual differentiation between the subject and background.   In its basic form, Figure Ground is black and white such as black type on white paper.  Graphic designers spend entire semesters working with figure ground.

By establishing the figure or object of interest, thinking figure ground helps separate the subject and background and our perception.  Creating a visual contrast adds the “pop” so it features the subject matter.  Beyond the black type on white paper, the figure can be a shape, image, or even a silhouetted portrait.  While black and white have a natural contrast using tones and colors requires a little creativity.

The close-up shots of two very different plant-type subjects are the foregrounds.  But the backgrounds are a bunch of leaves on top versus a landscape of a salt marsh on the bottom. Softening the background textures while sharpening the foreground or subject creates a visual contrast.  Color-wise, little has changed.  The effect adds depth, so we see the photo, considered 2-dimensional, as 3-demensional which is of course reality.

Side by side they are completely different images but in concept both are portraits and basic figure grounds.  Portrait of a plant?  People, animals, flowers, buildings etc all have an image and a personality.  My belief is the difference between a photograph or portrait and a snapshot lies in finding the personality in a subject.  Thinking in terms of figure ground helps give them their due.

Visit the Parker River section in our Massachusetts portfolio to see more of the shoot.

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