The coexistence in photography is a fascinating concept. It happens when two or more people / objects are compared side by side, which creates an interesting contrast in colors, shapes, lines, etc.
It is a very important way of describing two opposing effects of objects, ideas, people, images and animals in a single photo. In simple terms, the juxtaposition of images is to capture different things that are next to each other.
This technique can be used in your compositions to play with people’s curiosity and thoughtfulness about the moments and scenes you are capturing.
Now let’s dive into the details and discuss the best tips and tricks on how to put your photos side by side.
Understand what is next to each other!
To capture and describe the juxtaposition in your photos, we first understand that the goal is to illustrate a contrast between two things, but the concept goes a little deeper. In people, the two main types of personalities are introvert and extrovert.
Now imagine trying to capture the same polarity in your images. It’s not easy, but here are some strategies to help you out.
size
Size plays an important role in capturing photos that are side by side, such as photos. B. the contrast of different sizes of the same object.
Shadows and reflections
You can play with shadows and reflections to capture exciting photos. For example, a picture of a person with their shadow, where the shadow does something completely different. The same also applies to reflections in which the mirror shows the opposite direction and the course of reality.
Colours
This is by far the most common feature people use in their photos to reflect a contrast – for example, white versus black, light versus dark, contrasting colors, and more.
Confrontation shouldn’t be your ultimate goal!
You don’t have to make a goal of just taking photos side by side as that shouldn’t always be your bottom line. Your goal and outcome should be to achieve something that shows deeper meaning and conveys a gentle but powerful message.
Dive deep into each concept that attracts you the most and many at the same time you will automatically find the juxtapositions in your photos with the same idea.
You may want to master all aspects of photography, but as the saying goes, “can do a lot, but nothing is good.”
Try to master just a handful (or even one) type of confrontation. You may become very familiar with that particular genre and learn to see and recognize elements and scenes more easily.
Examples for the comparison
Here are some of the most common and easiest examples to help you understand the concept on a deeper level.
Big versus small
A simplified juxtaposition example where you can demonstrate the concept by capturing two objects of different sizes. You can take a small object and a large one and both can be of the same nature. For example, a very tall building or a skyscraper next to a tiny house, a very tall person next to a small person, etc.
Emphasizing the relationship between the two strengthens and increases the value of the visual juxtaposition.
Black against white
You would already know that the back and white are the best contrasts. This contrast is also a compelling and robust example of juxtaposition.
Past versus present
Image by Justin Fan
The concept of past and present always encourages people’s emotional bonds and is also an excellent example of juxtaposition. You can capture a public place and compare it with its black and white version recorded years ago.
You can also take a photo of your child next to a wall that your photo was taken when you were young. Comparing these two images shows the concept of juxtaposition at its best.
Old against new
If you are a professional photographer and have been shooting for a long time, you can take a side-by-side photo. Just find your first professional camera and compare it to its latest successor.
Natural versus artificial
It can be really fun to experiment with this type of juxtaposition. You can compare myriad contrasting things to describe natural and artificial contrasts. For example, a person next to an artificially intelligent robot; It will not only explain the coexistence concept of natural and artificial, but also the “Emotions versus emotionlessSide by side concept.
Foreground versus background
A rare but exciting kind of juxtaposition is the contrast of foreground and background objects. For example, a perfect example is a photo with a blank person in the foreground and a billboard with an advertisement for happy and smiling people. This can help your photos tell a story.
Young versus old
A granddaughter next to the grandmother describes more than what catches the eye. You can hold onto such a juxtaposition to show more than just colors and patterns, because nothing hits our hearts and minds more than young and old people. It shows the contrast between age and the transformation of traditions, values, culture, information and more. It can also be a gentle reminder that time is passing.
Wealthy versus poor
Not a comforting example of juxtaposition, but it does remind people that many are not as blessed as you are.
There are several ways you can capture such a coexistence, e.g. B. a homeless person lying next to an advertisement for an expensive new iPhone or similar type of billboard.
Such juxtapositions act as a social commentary and reflect a strong message. It’s not limited to a single location as it is a global problem.
Conclusion
We hope this tutorial helps you capture some impressive juxtapositions with a deeper, more ethical, and powerful message. Share your thoughts and experiences with us on Facebook and Twitter!
Discussion about this post