Focal Point

All of the visual techniques we have examined so far are designed to draw the viewer's attention towards ... something. This something, is the focal point.  

Introduction

Whatever an image is about, this sentiment is best expressed through its focal point. 

All of the lines, colours and lighting in an image are designed to lead the viewer's gaze to this "moment" in the text, where meaning is most directly communicated.

Terminology

When referring to the focal point within an image there are two terms that it is worth being aware of: composition and salience.

Composition and salience relate to all of the things we have discussed thus far. Specifically, composition refers to how objects, characters, colours, lighting etc. are combined to create an overall impression on the viewer, while salience relates to how the subject of an image stands out in a striking way. 

Examples

Let's consider two examples which help us to see how salience and composition can be used to draw the viewer's gaze towards a focal point.

Golf Balls

Which golf ball draws our gaze in this image?

The white one, of course. 

This is primarily achieved by colour: in a sea of yellow the eye is immediately drawn to the white ball: the focal point of the image. 

Now let's consider a more complex arrangement of techniques that are designed to draw the viewer's gaze towards a focal point. 

The Battle of Ascalon

The Battle of Ascalon is an engraving by Gustave Doré which depicts a battle from the First Crusade. In this detailed engraving, Doré uses several techniques to create a salient space around the focal point. 

Firstly, by depicting the soldiers to the left and right of the image in darkness, the viewer's gaze is naturally drawn to the holy men in the centre of the image, who are bathed in light. Note too that the shadows are most prominent just to the edges of this focal point, creating a sharply contrasted frame around the well-lit centre. 

In addition, while the human figures are depicted as a swirling mass of curving lines, the symbol of the crucifix at the focal point is salient due to its artificial straight lines. The shape of the cross is also an instantly-identifiable symbol which carries meaning for Doré's European audience, helping them to know which army they should support in the battle. 

Doré's use of lighting, lines and shapes work together to create a salient focal point for the audience in the centre of the image. This focal point, with its serene holy men and angular cross, suggested to the audience of the day that the cause of the crusaders was righteous, and that their victory at the Battle of Ascalon was God's will. 

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