Diagonal method: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 19:36, 8 October 2014

Revision as of 19:37, 8 October 2014

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The DM was derived from an analysis of how artists intuitively locate details within a composition, and can be used for such analyses. Westhoff discovered that by drawing lines with an angle of 45 degrees from the corners of an image, one can find out which details the artist (deliberately or unconsciously) intended to emphasize. Artists and photographers intuitively place areas of interest within a composition. The DM can assist in determining, which details the artist has wanted to highlight. Research by Westhoff has resulted in the finding that important details on paintings and on etchings of [[Rembrandt]], such as eyes, hands or utilities, were placed exactly on the diagonals.

It is very difficult to consciously place points of attention precisely on the diagonals during the making of photos or artworks, yet it is possible to do this in post-production using guidelines.<ref>Westhoff, E. (2007). De Diagonaal Methode. (The Diagonal Method.) FocusXtra 2007(Februari), 18-19.</ref> For instance, the DM can be applied to move the subject of a picture further into a corner.<ref>Elzenga, J. W. (2009). Digitale fotografie natuur: Tips en technieken voor het fotograferen van landschap en dieren. (Digital photography in nature: Tips and techniques for photographing landscapes and animals.) Amsterdam: Pearson Education. Pp. 47-49.</ref> To this end, [[Adobe Photoshop Lightroom|Photoshop Lightroom]] has, since 2007, contained a tool for [[cropping (image)|cropping]] photographs that uses overlays of the most important rules of thumb, amongst which the DM is featured.{{cn|date=September 2014}} The Golden Crop tool for Photoshop CS2 and up also incorporates the DM.{{cn|date=September 2014}} In 2009, [[scripting language|scripts]] have become available for [[Corel Paint Shop Pro|Paint Shop Pro]], [[GIMP]], and Picture Window Pro, and in 2010 also for [[Inkscape]].

The DM can only be applied on images where certain details are supposed to be emphasized or exaggerated, such as a [[portrait]] in which a specific body part deserves extra attention by the viewer, or a photograph for advertising a [[Product (business)|product]]. Photographs of [[landscapes]] and [[architecture]] usually rely on the composition as a whole, or have lines other than the bisections to determine the composition, such as the horizon.<ref>Elzenga, J. W. (2009). Digitale fotografie natuur: Tips en technieken voor het fotograferen van landschap en dieren. (Digital photography in nature: Tips and techniques for photographing landscapes and animals.) Amsterdam: Pearson Education. P. 49.</ref> Only if the picture includes details such as persons, (standalone) trees, or [[buildings]] is the DM applicable.