Perceptual Organization

Recently, I picked up a great book about photo design at Powell’s Books in Portland. The book is called The Photographer’s Eye by Michael Freeman. One thing that I love about the book is that the author doesn’t just write an opinion piece about what people like, but Freeman provides design and art theory and principles that can be applied to photography (or really any design/art medium). I’m learning a ton from this book.

One principle such tidbit is the Gestalt Laws of Perceptual Organization. These are all about how people perceive elements in any composition. It’s something really helpful to be aware of. Here is an excerpt from his book:

The Gestalt Laws of Perceptual Organization

• Law of Proximity. Visual elements are grouped in the mind according to how close they are to each other.
• Law of Similarity. Elements that are similar in some way, by form or content, tend to be grouped.
• Law of Closure. Elements roughly arranged together are seen to complete an outline shape. The mind seeks completeness.
• Law of Simplicity. The mind tends toward visual explanations that are simple; simple lines, curves, and shapes are preferred, as is symmetry and balance.
• Law of Common Fate. Grouped elements are assumed to move together and behave as one.
• Law of Good Continuation. Similar to above, this states that the mind tends to continue shapes and lines beyond their ending points.
• Law of Segregation. In order for a figure to be perceived, it must stand out from the background.