visual

weight
CHEAT SHEET
Visual weight is a compositional device
used in photography to attract your eye
to a focal point. It can be influenced by
a number of factors, which you can use
to strengthen the focal point and create
balance in your image.

The most common factors that can affect

visual weight include color, size, contrast,
and even the actual weight of the certain
element. Things that are big, bright, and
colorful attract more attention than
darker, less colorful elements. Our eyes
are also immediately drawn to complex
patterns or interesting images. These
objects appear visually heavier than
objects not possessing these features.

Our need for maintaining equilibrium and

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harmony in life makes us want to look
for balanced images. A major factor for
maintaining balance in photography is the
visual weight. Examples of visual weight in photography

1 size
2 contrast
the
essentials
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Larger objects have more visual weight Very light or dark elements when
that smaller elements in the photo. placed in contrasting surroundings draw

A large-sized element occupies more
space and commands more attention.
color
our attention immediately. Color
contrasts, like using blue and yellow,
or red and green, are used to achieve
strong compositions.

The less saturated a color, the less

visual weight it has. Bear this in mind
if you want your images to look
balanced.

If the subject matter is the focal

point of the photograph, then
making it larger in size is a good
idea. However, if you need to balance
a large-sized element in a photo,
you can try placing it next to several
small elements or next to an element
in a contrasting color.
TIP:
Multiple small objects packed
closely together also create a
great visual weight.
These contrasting colors can
complement or accentuate the
qualities of other colors in your photo.
Elements with high contrast have more
visual weight and appear significantly
prominent.
TIP:
If your image is lacking interest,
you can easily create more
noticeable contrast with artificial
lighting.
Also, a bright pop of color in an
otherwise neutral background carries all
the visual weight of an image. This is
useful in product photography.
TIP:
Understanding color theory can
be quite helpful when it comes
to creating a strong visual
weight based on colors.