This is a theory which tries to explain how our mind sees. Once the visual information gets from the eyes to the visual cortex the image is quickly scanned so it can be understood quickly and acted upon (flight or fight).
The brain looks for movement, bright or sharp focus stuff, patterns, symmetry etc etc
Compositions built on symmetry, leading lines, etc etc are generally appreciated more quickly, and if you play games with “slightly broken” symmetry its even more impactful
Have a look at the link and please add any thoughts you may have
Regards
huw
another link
https://snapshot.asia.canon/en/article/gestalt-theory-in-street-photography
Interesting and informative Huw. Thanks for posting.
I think in a way this ties in to the conversation about Ma. At least I think in terms of how space works within a composition and message.
Duck Duck Go AI returned this definition:
Gestalt theory is a psychological approach that emphasizes that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, focusing on how we perceive entire patterns or configurations rather than just individual components.
Which reminded me of a recent post by @debbie_campbell of the Egret in "space." For sure, that image is about the “whole” rather than an image of an Egret in flight. Very Ma as well.
What I find interesting as well after reading your linked article and the 5 examples by Andrew, are actually, I think, are not only intuitive for most photographers, but I think subconscious. In other words, I think these concepts of “Proximity”, “Similarity”, “Closure”, “Continuation” and “Segregation” are natural concepts that we often use - but as I mentioned, almost subconciously.
Just my thoughts. Thanks again for posting
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