Centrefold
We’ve discussed this before: a focal point in the middle of the frame can lead to a boring photo. But this aloe is a good example of an excellent exception. Thanks to the concentric pattern, it rather strengthens the focal point. Then there’s a number of other elements that work together just as hard to bring the photo to life.
The leaves that run from the middle in all directions are remarkable – as is the repetition of a strong pattern on all the leaves without the viewer even paying attention to them: the thorns.
Two more aspects are striking: the back leaves of the plant form the negative space in the photo. It works great, because not only does it give the photo “space”, it also repeats the most prominent colours in the photo. In the black-and-white version the same applies, but then it’s the shades of grey that are repeated.
Finally, at first you look past the detail in the focal point. There you see some young leaves that actually form the anchor point for the concentric patterns. This is where the plant renews itself… the young leaves are alive!