There’s repetition, but then there’s repetition that catches the eye. Murray White investigates one of compositions, most effective secrets.
Begins Murray, "A song’s chorus usually offers the easiest words to grasp. Simple lyrics, together with an often catchy tune, convey the essence of a work in a harmonious and repetitive manner. It is likely that this repetition of words and music grabs our attention in the first instance and, for some, that is where the interaction ends.
"However, I’m sure most lyricists would encourage listeners to take the next step and really understand the verse as well. After all, the body of the work is where the meaning develops. Like songwriting, photography can capture our initial attention by virtue of repetition, with its deceptive power to draw us into the work.
"I believe that there are many parallels to be found within these two forms of communication. There is the same potential to question or inform. We both structure our work with consideration for how it may be interpreted. And we both share the same mechanism by which a message can be conveyed – description; in our case visual description.
"However, our ability to use repetition as a tool is a little more restrictive than that granted to songwriters. Generally, we need to find and emphasise this quality within an image, rather than create it. Photographers who go in search of repetition will probably build a stronger image because of it and the viewer can enjoy a pleasing sense of unity within the picture, with pure pattern being the most obvious unifier. Repetition stresses a point, rather like a speaker..."
Murray explains how he implements this strategy in the current issue of Better Photography (Issue 106). Click on the link below to subscribe - plus you get immediate access to 50 back issues full of super informative material and inspirational ideas! Use coupon code BP40 to get 40% off - just $29.88 for an annual subscription.