noun: symmetry
1. the quality of being made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or around an axis. “this series has a line of symmetry through its center”
Similar: regularity, evenness, uniformity, equilibrium, consistency, congruity, conformity, agreement, correspondence, orderliness, equality.
2. correct or pleasing proportion of the parts of a thing. “an overall symmetry making the poem pleasant to the ear”
Similar: balance, proportions, regularity, evenness of form, harmony, harmoniousness, consonance, concord, coordination
Symmetry is an interesting concept to ponder as a photographer. Is the aesthetic of a perfectly symmetrical photograph interesting to you? I have to admit that I have no absolutely symmetrical photos in my collection. There is symmetry to be found in nature, but it’s rarely exact. It has been said that when judging “attractiveness” in people, facial symmetry features highly. But no one’s face is exactly symmetrical.
I would venture that exact symmetry is static and not very interesting. To me, it’s the juxtaposition of similar things or balanced things that are in fact different that is most interesting.
I think that Nature in balance is the highest example of beauty, and its type of symmetry is not architectural and mathematic except on a very cellular level. When you look at the big picture, that precision is subdued. When humans step in, they tend to force that uniformity in a way that often destroys Nature’s beauty. (If I had a photographic example of agricultural monocultures and row housing, I’d insert it here.)
Tomorrow is International Daughters’ Day. My three daughters are an example of symmetry in harmony, concordance and coordination. They undoubtedly share some exact cellular similarities, and in a macro view, you can spot both the resemblance and the difference in them. And they really get along well together.
We must be kindred spirits. I agree with your statement “I have to admit that I have no absolutely symmetrical photos in my collection” because I don’t either! I don’t like facing a building squarely and then taking a photo. It seems kind of “too perfect” in a way. That’s why I like the photos you’ve posted with people — it gives life to the composition whether they are all lined up or in groups. Nice photos all around!
Thanks! Also, when you think about that “Rule of Thirds”, then asymmetry seems to be preferable.
I love how you express this, Priscilla: “When humans step it, they tend to force that uniformity in a way that often destroys Nature’s beauty. (If I had a photographic example of agricultural monocultures and row housing, I’d insert it here.)”. You make a great point that too much symmetry is boring and can destroy nature’s apparent disorderliness (which conceals an internal or subtle order). All that sad, I love your girls–and yes, there is some symmetry in their smiles and eyes. Lovely. Beautiful, thoughtful, post. A treat to read.
Thanks, Patti – and you’re quote of my post showed me that I made a typo, now corrected. This theme really does yield some good pondering; thanks for choosing it!
Your daughters are lovely Priscilla – and actually symmetry is achieved in threes especially so you hit the jackpot there! Loved your autumn road – I do miss the beautiful leaves of fall in the northeast.
Thanks, Tina! Symmetry in threes means that something in the middle has to be split, I guess. With that photographic “rule of threes”, I usually think of asymmetry, 2 + 1 rather than 1.5 + 1.5. Interesting. I guess it works both ways!
I love the smiles of your daughters. 🙂
Thanks, Ana; me, too! ❤
Your daughters are all beautiful and that walkway leading to the autumn trees are just lovely.
Thanks, Teresa! That forest service road was a total relief to find after getting a little lost in the Daniel Boone National Forest. It was definitely lovely to me at the time.
Did you say getting lost? I and my husband gets lost in foreign lands on several occasions and I mean literally! haha
Well, temporarily lost? Like we lost the trail we intended to take, and then found another.
But sometimes there will be some pleasant surprise awaiting for you.
Every time, I think!
Excellent. I love the autumn path, and no better symmetry than happy smiles.
Thanks, John!
I liked your take on symmetry. That photo of the caterpillar (Monarch?) on milkweed is superb
Yes, that is a monarch caterpillar. I did rotate that photo so that the caterpillar is more prominent, sort of aligning him with anthropocentric balance, I admit.
AMAZINGGGG !!
Thanks! Here’s to Sisters!