Hello Lovely! 
 
Welcome to week 4 or the 6-wk flatlay challenge! Can you believe we are half way through the challenge!?  I am simply thrilled to see you participating, leaving thoughtful comments on other creator's entries and sharing your own divine designs. We're created a wonderful community. I couldn't be more proud. 
 
Just a quick reminder, to participate:
  1. Create and Photograph your Flatlay
  2. Share it on Instagram with Hashtag #naughtyteasflatlaychallenge
  3. Don't Forget to Tag me @mangelka to be featured
  4. Check out @naughtyteas gallery to get inspired
 
Assignment #3 Review & Feedback 
Thank you for all your lovely submissions for the Triangle Composition Challenge.  There were many beautiful entries, and more than one from some of you! I shared some favorites along with my notes and observations and saved them under the Flatlay Highlight @mangelka and @naughtyeas 
 
 
In case you missed it, you can watch a Triangle Composition REEL tutorial here and test your knowledge with a Photostudy Quiz before you jump into the next Assignment. 
 
 
#3 Assignment: S-curve Composition 
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S-Curve = The Line of Beauty
 
If triangle composition is a workhorse in your arsenal of styling tools, S-curve is for special occasions only, when you really need to impress. It has always been the most “sexy”,and exciting compositional element for me. Even a subtlest of curves is sure to captivate your viewer and dare them to follow along. 
 
Think about the irresistible lines of the cello, or a ballerina in arabesque position -  captivating. It's one of the most attractive and interesting compositions to master, yet one of the most underused. I seem to gravitate towards it in the autumn (inspired by the curvy tails fo the gourds). 
 
You will find the S-Curve in landscapes all the time, because there are so many curves in nature (a road, a garden path, a trail through the woods, a river) - leading the viewer into the picture plane. You can borrow this tip from nature and use the S-Curve compositional structure in Still Life and Product Photography. 
 
THE –“ELEGANT” S-CURVE  has been called the “line of beauty.” It signifies liveliness and activity, and excites the attention of the viewer as contrasted with other compositional strategies.
 
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By incorporating curves (particularly s-curve) in your styling you can add some elegance, drama and intrigue into a your composition, as well as control the energy and focus of an image by directing the eye towards your hero.
 
"Straight ahead is the quickest way to get somewhere, but it is not very interesting, is static and does not invite the viewer into the whole composition. A winding road takes you on a sightseeing tour of the rest of the composition, inviting you to enjoy the interplay of shapes and elements found in the movement of the composition." - 
TRY THIS : 
  1. Let your hero be the final destination on the path of the s-curve OR
  2. Let your hero be gently hugged by the curve (ex. cup of tea nestled between the folds of soft textured fabric (scarf, gauze, muslin cloth)
  3. Let you hero be on the s-curve path (this way the eyes will be led towards it from both ends)
  4. Use your s-curve to be the leading line towards your hero
  5. Be careful not to lead the eyes right out of the composition - soften your lines as you get to the edges
When choosing the props make sure:
  1. There is one clear hero subject with substantial visual weight -  give your composition focus and clarity
  2. The colors go well together (complimentary or analogous) - use color wheel to create color harmonies (or look up color palettes on Pinterest)
  3. Scatter smaller details/elements along the way so they are united in telling the same story, have visual interest (texture/detail) and do not distract from the hero
 
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How to Level up Your Flatlays
  1. Make your composition more interesting with little details that add texture and life to your composition - see Lesson 7
  2. Try out my secret flatlay formula to create dimension - see Lesson 8
  3. Strive for balance with use of handy compositional tools  - see Lesson 7
  4. Use these tips to instantly improve your composition - see Lesson 4
  5. Learn Color Theory to enhance your photos - see Lesson 8 here
 
As a reminder, my freebie resources are always delivered exclusively through email, BUT did you know that as a subscriber you also have access to my Creative Resource Library? You'll find a lot of past goodies here (password: naughtyteas)
 
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Cant's wait to see what you create!
Olenaxxx
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