Appendix A: helpful vocabulary terms and definitions

Angle- vantage point from which the photograph was taken; generally used when discussing a photograph
taken from an unusual or exaggerated vantage point.
Background- the part of a painted or carved surface against which represented objects and forms are
perceived or depicted
Central Focus- the objects(s), which appear most prominently, and/or most clearly focused in a
photograph.
Composition The overall placement and organization of elements in a work of art, as well as the
interrelationships between individual elements.
Content The representations, messages, ideas, and/or feelings expressed in a work of art.
Contrast- strong visual differences between light and dark, varying textures, sizes, etc.
Design-The plan, conception, or organization of a work of art; the arrangement of independent parts (the
elements of art) to form a coordinated whole
Dominance-The importance of the emphasis of one aspect in relation to all other aspects of a design.
Foreground-the ground or parts situated, or represented as situated, in the front; the portion of a scene
nearest to the viewer (opposed to background ).
Mood -The state of mind or emotion communicated in a work of art through color, composition, media,
scale, size, etc
Theme- A subject or topic of discourse or of artistic representation.
Rule of Thirds- compositional rule suggests imagining the image has been divided into three parts both
horizontally and vertically. Often the most interesting compositions result in placing the subject on one of
the intersections of those imaginary lines, instead of in the center of the photo
Space: The emptiness or area between, around, above, below, or contained within objects. Shapes and
forms are defined by the space around and within them, just as spaces are defined by the shapes and forms
around and within them.
Structure-The way in which parts are arranged or put together to form a who
Style- A set of characteristics of the art of a culture, a period, or school of art. It is the characteristic
expression of an individual artist.
Subject matter-is what something is about. In artwork, the subject matter would be what the artist has
chosen to paint, draw or sculpt etc
Subordination-Making an element appear to hold a secondary or lesser importance within a design or
work of art.
Unity- A principle of design that connects a variety of elements of art and principles of design into a work
of art with harmony and balance
Visual Literacy-Includes thinking and communication. Visual thinking is the ability to transform thoughts
and information into images; visual communication takes place when people are able to construct
meaning from the visual image
Visual Metaphor: Images in which characteristics of objects are likened to one another and represented as
that other. They are closely related to concepts about symbolism.

Appendix B: associated techniques with visual and written text

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Appendix C: tutorials for caring for and/or using related tools and equipment