Chill out with a Cup of Coffee
A ceramic canister at the left, a coffee pot (background) and few biscuits (part of the
foreground) at the middle, and a Starbucks cup at the right. In this still-life image, it is very
evident that the photographer used “coffee” as the central theme.
In arranging items for this kind of photography, it is crucial that one applies the elements
of composition and design to ensure that the visual image formed is effective in conveying
messages. Let’s take a look at how the photographer made use of such concepts in
communicating underlying meanings, attitudes, and emotions.
Line. Curved lines are dominant in this work. They can be seen in the cup and pot
handles, in the mouth of the canister, and even in the outline of the saucer and the biscuits. This
type of line expresses grace and beauty (as in dance steps) and helps guide the viewers in taking
paths through the artwork (movement). Soft, shallow curves also suggest feelings of safety and
relaxation (Jirousek, 1995).
Shape. The curved lines mentioned above give emphasis to the circular shape of the
materials. Because circles are figures without angles and sides, they signify perfection and unity.
Value. The dim light streams from the ceiling. It produces a sense of comfort and
security, the same way a cup of coffee gives warmth and tranquillity. This kind of light and
others that resemble candlelight create a more flattering ambient glow – which is why many
restaurants serve meals in a warm, dim lighting (Mintz, 2018).
Color. The use of color in the work is subjective and emotional. The photographer
utilized colors to release a mellow feeling. The color scheme is almost monochromatic, since
only the tonal vibrations of yellow are dominant. The image is also of low saturation, which
induces a muting or calming effect (Pixel Magazine, 2017).
Texture. The texture of the photo is actual (or real) because the sensations, which are a
mixture of smooth and rough, come from the materials themselves. The ceramic kitchen wares
are characteristically smooth due to their glazed exterior. On the other hand, the uneven surface
of the biscuits emanates a rough texture. There is also a sense of softness that is given off by the
faux fur fabric.
We can see how the appropriate usage of the various elements of visual arts contributed
to the overall appeal of the image. They all play a part in bringing to the fore the feeling of
warmth and safety – of home - that a simple cup of coffee can give.
References
Jirousek, C. (1995). Introduction to the elements of design: Point. Art, Design, and Visual
Thinking. http://char.txa.cornell.edu/language/ELEMENT/element.htm#:~:text=Curved
%20lines%20do%20vary%20in,have%20a%20pleasing%2C%20sensual
%20quality.&text=Even%20without%20an%20artist's%20training,line%20used%20in
%20a%20drawing.
Mintz, C. (2018). How restaurant lighting help set the mood – And makes you look more
attractive. The Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-
garden/design/how-restaurant-lighting-helps-set-the-mood-and-make-you-look-
moreattractive/article37896638/
Pixel Magazine. (2017, January 24). A photographer’s guide to vibrance and saturation (and their
differences). The Coffeelicious, https://medium.com/the-coffeelicious/a-photographers-
guide-to-vibrance-and-saturation-and-their-differences-4fde529cc19#:~:text=Saturation
%20refers%20to%20the%20intensity,the%20vividness%20of%20the%20scene.
