Wondering what’s Juxtaposition? Well, in simple words – it means ‘Contrast’; it is a composition technique wherein you either intentionally place objects/subjects of contrasting nature, close together or they can appear naturally in the scene. It can be composed by depicting contrast through size, colour, shape, weather, meaning and so on.
We’ve learnt Composition techniques like Rule of Thirds, Centred Composition, Leading Lines, Fill the Frame, Pattern & Texture, Rule of Odds, Colour Theory, Frame within a Frame, Simplicity & Minimalism, Rule of Space, Left to Right Rule, Isolate the Subject, Negative Space, Foreground Composition, Panning, Change your Point of View & Balance in our previous blogs. Now, let’s explore Juxtaposition in Photography!
Here’s How You Can Use Juxtaposition to Convey Contrasts in Your Pictures:
Juxtaposition Example of Weather: Cool vs. Warm (Balmy)
In the above pic, the contrast is caused due to the height difference in the cloud layer; the lower cloud layers catch the setting sun. So, sea reflects yellow and the cloudless space reflects the blue sky.
Juxtaposition Example of Size: Big vs. Small
The above pic was taken in the Desert at Kutch, Gujarat. You’ll see how the Nearer (Pouting) Camel appears Bigger than the Farther Camel; also they are Moving in the Opposite Direction.
Another Example of Size: Big vs. Small
The above pic was taken at Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Contrast in size is clearly visible: the Huge Statue of Lord Shiva and Small Statues of his Sacred Bull & Lingam.
Juxtaposition Example of Creation: Man Made vs. Natural
In the above pic, the Aeroplane (Man Made) and Sun (Natural) depict Contrast of Creation.
Juxtaposition Example of an Era/Tradition: Modern Man vs. Ancient Practice
Above is the pic: Graffiti of an Astronaut (Modern Man) practising Meditation (Ancient Practice) at the Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh.
Juxtaposition Example of Colour
The above pic of the Mules Quenching their Thirst was taken at Ganges River, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.
Juxtaposition Example of Colour & Type
An Apple among Oranges.
Yet Another Juxtaposition Example of Colour
The above pic depicts contrast in colour: The Classic – Black & White… I would rather say the Light of Hope in the (Dark) Times of Coronavirus.
We bring you ‘Jo & His Camera’ Comic Strips wherein a Magical Camera gives DSLR photography tutorials to Jo.
Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Juxtaposition, with the help of practical examples.
