Double triangle
The double triangle describes a model according to which the photographic quality of images can be assessed and evaluated systematically and as objectively as possible. It was developed by the Swiss photographer Martin Zurmühle . The quality of an image is then determined by the core triangle technology - composition - effect . These core factors are encompassed by the triangle motif - idea - zeitgeist . The goal of the recording determines how these factors interact optimally and mutually reinforce one another.
model
There are many ways to rate images. In addition to the intuitive method (you just know it), various models are used that consider different factors. In addition to the technology, the design and the image idea are often looked at. Others place greater value on the image's message and effect. The evaluation system with the double triangle brings together many different criteria that have an influence on the photographic quality. It can be used for evaluating individual images as well as series of images. The correct and targeted interaction of these various quality-determining factors is decisive for the overall quality of a recording.
Core triangle
Every photograph has a fundamental photographic quality that relates to the aspects of technology, composition and effect . A good photographer is able to produce well-done images for practically any photographic task. Mastering these three key factors in photography is the first important step towards high photographic quality.
technology
Mastering the technique is a prerequisite for good photography. The entire recording chain has an impact on the resulting image. Regardless of the selected recording system, it is a matter of mastering the path of light from the source to the reproduction:
- Light : Every shot needs light. Without enough light, the picture remains black. The nature and the way in which the light falls on the subject have a decisive influence on the image effect.
- Light opening : The size of the light opening determines the light intensity and the shape of the blurring circles. The quality of the optical system determines the precision of the image recording.
- Amount of light : The aperture (size of the light opening) and the exposure time (duration of the opening) determine the amount of light that affects the film or the sensor.
- Light recording : The light hitting the film or the sensor is captured in a latent form that is not yet visible through various processes.
- Light reproduction : The latent image on the film or in the sensor is made visible through various downstream processes and brought into the definitive form for reproduction.
composition
Mastery of technology is the basic requirement for good photography. Taken alone, the technology is not a guarantee of a good picture. More elements are needed. Image composition is the creative photographer's real tool. By choosing the appropriate location for the picture, the necessary image detail and the correct placement of the elements that are important to the picture, he designs his pictures and tries to achieve the desired effect on the viewer. The image composition is much more than just adhering to a few design rules (such as the golden ratio or the triangular composition ). It gives the photographer the means to express himself with his pictures. Or as the famous photographer and teacher Andreas Feininger put it: "Composition is the most effective and often the only way in which a photographer can express his personality".
effect
The image effect is the goal of good photography. While the technique and composition are still very easy to learn and understand, it is much more difficult to recognize and analyze the effect of an image. There are pictures that pull us completely under their spell and have a very strong effect on us. And there are very similar images, but they remain completely ineffective. The four-eyes model of photography is very suitable for understanding these relationships and for better recognizing the effect of the image . According to the four-eyes model, a photograph affects the viewer on four different levels. These four levels are the form eye , the narrative eye , the feeling eye and the ego eye .
Frame triangle
Just mastering the three core factors technology, composition and effect does not guarantee a successful recording. The environment in which the picture was taken with the triangle frame, motif, idea and zeitgeist also have a decisive influence on the success of a picture.
motive
Regardless of the subject, a photographer who has mastered the core factors of technology - composition - effect can take good pictures. Nevertheless, the choice of motif plays a major role. Not every motif has the same charisma, has the same visual potential, and is equally suitable for photography. There are motifs that are extremely popular with photographers (e.g. carnival, sporting events, sunsets, children, flowers, animals) because they promise good and, above all, effective images in a relatively simple way. On the other hand, since a lot of photographers take pictures in these areas, there are also a lot of good pictures and such pictures often seem correspondingly boring. Less well-known motifs offer more opportunities to surprise the viewer in this regard.
idea
Once the motif has been chosen, an idea is needed to show it in a surprising and unusual way. The idea can also stand on its own and then corresponds to the actual goal of the recording. Finding an idea is not easy and it takes a good amount of creativity and realism. Often, however, a good idea makes the decisive difference whether a photograph is successful or not.
Zeitgeist
We always take photos in a context. Our imaginations and the tastes of the viewer are shaped by the zeitgeist. This is difficult to define and is constantly changing. If we look at pictures that were taken a few years ago, we can see clear differences. And if we also want to be successful in photo competitions, for example, then we should pay attention to the fashions and trends in photography.
target
The decisive factor for how the various factors of the double triangle are used and weighted in the image is determined by the objective that is to be achieved with the image. The aim of the recording thus forms the control mechanism for the various quality-determining factors. If, for example, perfect exposure, high detail resolution and sharpness from the foreground to the horizon are important for a landscape shot, then such precision would be the wrong solution when depicting dance shots. The aim of the recording therefore determines which technique and which composition is correct in order to achieve the desired image effect.
application
The image evaluation system with the double triangle is very suitable for evaluating and evaluating the photographic quality of an image. It can also be used as a basis for judging photo competitions. Depending on the direction of the competition, the individual criteria are then defined more precisely and the requirements specified. The system also helps the photographer to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their own pictures.
literature
- Martin Zurmühle: The MAGIC of photography or the SECRET of outstanding pictures - PICTURE ANALYSIS according to the four-eyes model . Vier-Augen-Verlag, Lucerne 2010, ISBN 978-3-9523647-0-3 .
- Martin Zurmühle: The MAGIC of photography or the SECRET of outstanding pictures - PICTURE EVALUATION with the double triangle . Vier-Augen-Verlag, Lucerne 2011, ISBN 978-3-9523647-2-7 .
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Martin Zurmühle: image evaluation with the double triangle . Vier-Augen-Verlag, 2011, p. 23 ff.
- ↑ Martin Zurmühle: nude photography. The big photo school . Galileo Verlag, 2011, p. 132 ff.
- ↑ Martin Zurmühle: image evaluation with the double triangle . Vier-Augen-Verlag, 2011, p. 24 f.
- ↑ Martin Zurmühle: image evaluation with the double triangle . Vier-Augen-Verlag, 2011, p. 44 ff.
- ↑ Martin Zurmühle: image evaluation with the double triangle . Vier-Augen-Verlag, 2011, p. 93 f.
- ↑ Martin Zurmühle: Image analysis according to the four-eye model . Vier-Augen-Verlag, 2010, p. 21 ff.
- ↑ Martin Zurmühle: nude photography. The big photo school . Galileo Verlag, 2011, p. 135 f.
- ↑ Martin Zurmühle: image evaluation with the double triangle . Vier-Augen-Verlag, 2011, p. 27 ff.