— There is always something very pleasing when a photograph displays balance in its composition. That is generally an element that, when present, can make a photo better. In this week’s Lens-Artists challenge, Sofia gave us several examples of symmetry in photography. You should check out her post. Since I personally look for symmetry in the world around me, this challenge was particularly fun and challenging at the same time. Coming down to a few examples of symmetry in my own photo library was an exercise in control.
Symmetry is not synonymous with perfection. For example, it may not be obviously symmetrical when you are at ground level at St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. However, if you climb the steps to the top of the dome, you will see the obvious symmetry on the square. Incidentally, between that obelisk and each fountain in the center of the square, there are two discs on the ground. If you stand on either one, you will see the optical illusion of those four rows of columns becoming one.
Through the times, humankind has always been fascinated with symmetry. Humans found it in flowers and trees, for example. Next time you are under a coconut tree, just look up to marvel at the tree’s beautiful radial symmetry.
Symmetry in landscape photography can often bring a peaceful feeling of tranquility, especially when there are reflections such as in these photos at Mills Pond (Austin) and Enchanted Rock SNA.
At times, symmetry can make you pause and think about what is going on around you. This next photo at the Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend NP often gets visitors to ponder which way the Rio Grande is flowing (the answer appears after the photo). The lines on the canyon walls create an optical illusion of an incline.
The Rio Grande flows right to left in the photo above.
Trying to incorporate symmetry in everyday objects often leads to remarkable creativity. These are far from everyday objects to the common folk, but these three Ferraris do display great symmetry in their designs and styles.
Personally, I love to find symmetry in architecture, such as in the opening photo of this post. Since we love to visit churches in our travels, we often encounter a lot of symmetry there. Look, for example, at Brazil‘s National Cathedral in Brasília. It was one of the designs created by renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer for Brazil‘s capital. You can see other buildings he designed as well as the cathedral’s interior here.
In Peru, we saw many memorable examples of architectural symmetry both in Lima’s National Cathedral as well as in the Palace of the Archbishop.
Sometimes, when we make photos, we forget to experiment with different perspectives. I recall, for example, that countless times we walked under the arch on Lisbon‘s Augusta Street. One day, I simply had to stop and look up. This is what I saw. Just look at the perfect symmetry from many axes, be they horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.
When we visited the small city of Elvas (Portugal), we were also mesmerized by what we saw when we looked up at the ceiling of the Church of Our Lady of Assumption. Does it look like a kaleidoscope image to you?
Finally, I will close with the São Paulo Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral da Sé). Here you have a classic example of rotational symmetry. If you rotate the image on its center, you basically have the same symmetry repeated eight times around that octagon.
If you want to learn more about the Lens-Artists challenge, please see this post.
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Wonderful photos! I like them all, but I specially like the architectural shots. Great response to the challenge.
Nes, I appreciate your compliment. Man, was it hard to select just a few photos!
I’m sure there’s more where it came from. 😊
Wonderful examples Egidio, a good collation. I know how long these posts take to put together!
Alison, thank you for your compliment and understanding.
WOW. Bursting with symmetry! Quite outstanding. Love that banner shot, the many ceilings, the fancy sports cars. Amazing display.
Great examples of symmetry in the natural world, and I enjoyed seeing the architecture of buildings totally unknown to me too.
Wow, the header was a stopper, glad oi continued because so were the rest of your choices.
Wonderful post, Egídio. Fascinating photos, all of them but I’m really drawn to the architecture ones, Lisbon included!
Good heavens Egidio, what a display of symmetry you’ve shared this week! I can see why you’d have trouble paring down your selection and can only imaging the images you left behind!! My apologies but I simply cannot choose a favorite, they are all magnificent!
Wow. These photos are extraordinary! Well done, Egidio!! ~Ed.
Now I am almost speechless after looking at your absolutely amazing photos where you emphasize symmetry so masterfully. I love your first image, but I have a hard time choosing a favorite as they are all so good, each in their own way. At least I have to admit that I am impressed, well done Egídio!
Super selection, Egidio! You’ve really made the most out of those amazing buildings.
John, thank you for the compliment and enthusiast feedback. The banner shot seems to be getting a lot of attention.
Margaret, I’m glad you liked the photos. Thank you. This challenge made me revisit some past trips I had almost forgotten.
Ritva, thank you for writing back. I appreciate your feedback.
Sofia, I confess it was difficult to limit myself to this wonderful challenge. I had so many shots from Portugal. Well, I’m sure there’ll be other chances to feature them. Thank you for such a rewarding challenge.
Tina, this was an excellent challenge that made me revisit some beautiful places we’ve been to. Thank you for your support and compliment. They mean a lot to me.
Ed, I thank you for your wonderful feedback. I appreciated it.
Anita, I am so happy you liked the photos. Thank you for the feedback. That first image seems to be getting a lot of attention.
Jim, I appreciate your feedback. Thank you.
Egidio, absolutely stunning galleries. The last two are almost like looking into a kaleidoscope- mirrors, detail and precision. Wow. While I love the reflections, I can’t choose a favorite, and the capture of the Rio Grand was unique and interesting. That is a fun trail. I had a few photos from Big Bend for the challenge, but my ideas shifted and they didn’t make the cut. Fantastic post!!!! Always a pleasure.
Donna, thank you very much for you great feedback. I know the feeling about leaving some photos behind for this challenge. The same happened to me. Thanks again for your compliment.
Always.
Wow, the ceilings are awesome!
Glad you liked them. Looking at ceilings in churches always leads me to good symmetry.
Fantastic gallery and fantastic post, Egidio. Truly wonderful examples and explanation of the beauty and benefits of symmetry. Terrific! Now, I’m wondering how you’ll explore asymmetry!!
Wow, Egidio, beautiful examples of symmetry. I especially love the composition of the church!
Patti, like you, I am also wondering how I’ll explore asymmetry. That’ll be a tough challenge, especially when I’m often looking for symmetry. Thanks for your feedback.
Thanks, John. This was such a great challenge.
Great pictures!!!
Thanks for the feedback, Ana.
From the first image I knew this challenge was made for you, Egidio! An astonishing display of symmetry – and your neck must suffer or do you use the floor? Absolutely gorgeous display. Thank you for posting this excellent gallery. And, I am sure you have more to come further on!
Love your gallery, especially the architectural images.
I remember on top of the dome of Vatican taking a picture similar to yours. Thanks for the memories.
Ann-Christine, thank you for your strong complimentary words. I am touched. To answer your questions, sometimes I do look up, but with my camera’s LCD screen being fully articulated, it’s now easier to get those shots.
You’re very welcome! Thanks for your comment.
I am so glad you liked it, Sandy. Thanks for the feedback.
You are most welcome.
Beautiful symmetry! Loved the images.
Thank you kindly, Anne. I appreciated your feedback and complement.
Incredible photos, so beautiful… the radial symmetry with the coconut tree, and the cathedral arches! Indeed, they do look Kaleidoscopic, almost hypnotizing… a delightful post to read and admire!
What a variety!
Love the flowers!
Thanks for the compliment, Nicole. So glad you liked the photos and could immerse yourself in the stories and scenes.
I confess it was hard trying to limit the number of photos. Thank you for the feedback. Glad you liked the post.
Don’t limit yourself, when you have such a wonderful collection (of course keeping in mind storage space allotted by WP)
Thank you so much, Mr. Philo. I’m sure the lens-artists’ challenges will alwasy be a good way to share more photos. Luckily for me, I host my site outside of WP.
Wow!
That’s good news!
No limit and you can post choicest images!
👍👍👍
Amazing!!
Thanks, Amy
beautiful, beautiful images!
Marina, thank you so much for the compliment and for visiting my blog. I appreciate it a lot.