Visual Tension

Today I want to talk about visual tension.
This is where an element within the canvas pulls the viewer out of the image.
The best way to deal with this is to have one or more elements that pull in different directions.
The result is an image that is balanced by creating visual tension for the viewer.
Let’s take a look at this image.
Notice how the tires in the upper left and the lower right draw you out of the frame from the top and the bottom.
The result is a dual tension that actually balances out and keeps the viewer within the frame by pulling in both directions.
A good way to think about this is a tug of war with equal tension on both sides.
This keeps the viewer within the image.
It’s not the easiest concept to find, but it works wonders when it’s done right.
Be inspired!