Visu Gestalt Blog Post

Using elements of Gestalt in photography is what enhances its significance as a work of art rather than as a symbol for reality by using the minds perception of imagery and space to tell a new story than the one immediately seen in the photo. If photographs are only illusions, it’s the elements of Gestalt that help our minds make connections to perceive them as realities. This is specifically seen with the laws of continuity, closure, and similarity. The law of continuity is more directly related to the concept of eye line in a photo and the way elements of the photo are grouped to create a sense of rhythm through the photo. The way our eyes move across the image directly relates to the story we imagine to be behind the photo so the continuity plays a big role in how we interpret an image. The law of closure demonstrates the minds ability to complete an image and concept on its own just based on the information given. This shows how the viewer connects to the image by adding on to it with their own interpretation of what’s true. The law of similarity shows shapes, colors, and patterns that directly connect with the way humans think. The viewer groups things in the image through similarity which shows the unity and gestalt of it all. Those are just some of the big concepts of gestalt that can be manipulated to make stronger photographs.