What do you want to say in a Triptych?
A triptych must communicate something to the viewer, and the way in which the photographer combines the three panels is important.
When creating the triptych, consider the following:
- can the combined image be understood and processed as a cohesive and unified visual experience?
- Do the three panels have more meaning and context?
- What is the purpose of combining the images? Do they work together? Do they add value if combined?
- Are the panels balanced in terms of visual continuity and context?
- Is there a flow between the panels, ie are shapes and patterns expanded upon across the three panels?
- The same rules apply for as with a single image, avoid distractions and consider how the image flows/reads.
If cutting your image into three parts, does not convey your story better, or communicate your vision with greater clarity, then perhaps you don’t have the right images!
You can enter any subject for the Triptych. This is an open category so any imagery is fine, including Abstract.
Layout
The layout can be either vertical, horizontal, T junction, or diagonal placements (get creative)
When setting your layout, consider the following:
- how easily do your eyes move from image to image?
- does the presentation draw your attention to a particular area of interest?
- do you get ‘stuck’ anywhere in the triptych which prevents you from enjoying the whole experience?
- are the panels balanced and weighted evenly?
- Avoid predictability.
- how are patterns, shapes and colours echoed across the panels?
- Is the background detracting from the subjects?
- having the panels touch or overlap – you must have some separation between your panels
For the RPS Triptych competition, members may submit up to two final triptych images.