The Photographer's Eye: Graphic Guide

TRIANGLES

Triangles can be “real” in the sense that the three sides are obvious and apex points, but they can also be implied, or suggested. Implied triangles are the most frequent shapes in imagery simply because they happen with any three prominent points. As the arrangement of the three Mao badges shows on the opposite page, even if just thrown down, they connect in the eye. Additionally, if there is a difference in size (as there is with these Mao badges), the eye puts them into perspective—literally. The main picture, however, has a real triangle, made very briefly by the cloth as the man, who has just been bathing in a south Indian temple, prepares to wrap it around himself. As the scene unfolded, I was not quite expecting this, but it ...