Design Basics
What is a layout?
The way visual elements are arranged on a page or design.
What are complementary colors? What is an example?
Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, like red and green.
What is portrait photography?
A type of photography that focuses on a person's face, emotions, and personality.
Who painted the Mona Lisa?
Leonardo da Vinci.
Why is lighting important in portraits?
It affects mood, visibility, and how the subject looks (soft vs. dramatic)
Why is the grid system important?
It helps keep the design organized, balanced and easy to read.
What mood does the color blue create?
Calm and peaceful; answers may vary.
Name two types of portrait photography.
Studio, candid, posed, selfie, enviormental
What was the daguerreotype?
The first widely used photographic process, invented in 1839 by Louis Daguerre.
What is the rule of thirds?
A composition rule where the image is divided into thirds, and the subject is placed on one of the lines or intersections for balance.
Name a type of balance used in a layout.
Symmetrical or asymmetrical balance.
What are display fonts used for?
Titles, headlines, or anything that needs to stand out.
What makes studio and candid portraits different?
Studio is controlled and posed; candid captures spontaneous, natural moments.
How did the brownie camera change photography?
It made photography affordable and accessible to the general public.
How did portrait posing change over time?
Poses became more relaxed and expressive as cameras improved.
What's the different between serif and sans-serif fonts?
Serif fonts have small decorative lines or 'feet'; sans-serif fonts do not.
What are analogous colors?
Colors next to each other on the color wheel.
What is golden hour in photography?
The time just after sunset, when natural light is soft and warm.
Why didn't people smile in early portraits?
Long exposure times made it hard to hold a smile, and photos were very serious and formal.
What are some ethical concerns about editing portraits?
Over-editing can create unrealistic beauty standards or distort the truth.
Why is balance essential in visual design?
It creates a pleasing, professional look and helps guide the viewer's eyes.
How does font choice affect a reader's experience?
It sets the tone and makes content either easier or harder to read.
How do background choices affect a portrait?
A simple background focuses attention on the subject, while a busy background adds context.
How have portraits changed in the age of social media?
They are more casual, fast, digital, and often edited or shared instantly online.
What are the three different types of lighting in portrait photography, and how do they each affect the photo?
Natural light – Soft and flattering, especially during golden hour.
Studio lighting – Controlled and professional, allows for creative shadows and highlights.
Backlighting – Puts the light behind the subject, can create a glowing outline or dramatic effect.