On the Edge

I believe that the reason that this shot has a familiarity to it is the balance. Balance is peaceful and this shot is balanced horizontally and vertically. The stone is in the center both directions, and usually balanced shots go with the rule of thirds, but since each hemisphere of this shot is equally weighted, the stone in the center is like a keystone, it holds all the other pieces in place. The lower portions have the organic element of the water, the upper portions have the organic presence of the leaves; the weight of the lip of the channel is balanced by the weight of the sides of the channel; there is even balance in the colors, the green on the stone is complimentary to the red on the metal. All of these elements together balance each other around the stone and adds interest. That’s why everyone, myself included, enjoys looking at this shot.

I really like water shots. This would be a fun one to play with the shutter and smooth out the water so it looks like it’s moving.