by Editor Lourens Durand 
Edited and Published by Yvette Depaepe, the 28th of January 2022

Repetition of a single design element, whether it be a shape, line, colour, tone or texture is a useful composition tool in fine art and photography. This single element repetition can be used alone or in combination with other elements to create patterns, and the patterns can in turn be manipulated to create rhythm.
If cleverly used, rhythm can impart a kind of beat and a sense of movement to the artwork or photograph, just as it does in music.

'Lines' by  Nese Ari

There are essentially five different types of rhythm that can be achieved through repetitions

Random Rhythm in which elements are repeated or scattered throughout the picture with no apparent pattern but entice the eye of the viewer to move around the image. (Musically, think of “Ragtime” as a comparison).

In Regular Rhythm the elements are repeated at consistently regular intervals throughout the picture, presenting a peaceful, serene atmosphere (Think Brahms’ “Wiegenlied”), but stands the risk of being monotonous. One trick is to break the pattern by introducing a single opposite element to disrupt the mood and create disharmony or imbalance. (Think cat landing on piano keyboard).

Alternating Rhythm uses two or three patterns, adding more variety than the regular rhythm. (Think Streisand and Diamond in “You Don’t bring me Flowers Anymore”.)

Undulating or Flowing Rhythm a calming effect and is made up of smooth elements that rise and fall or bend and weave like billowing clouds or rolling hills that move the eye slowly and smoothly around the image. (Think “Slow Waltz”.)

Progressive Rhythm in which elements change gradually in size or in tone as they are repeated over and over, like trees along a path receding into the distance, growing smaller and softer as they approach the horizon. (Think Diminuendo and crescendo in music.)  Another use of this type of rhythm is to direct the attention of the viewer to a particular subject, in the same way as a frame or a vignette.

The common factor in all of these rhythm types is repetition which, if used correctly, is able to enrich any photographic subject.
As Tedric Garrison writes in “Repetition and Patterns in Photography” (www.picturecorrect.com):
“Like music, you are not expected to just listen to a single note, but to take in the high notes, low notes, the movements, and the beat…..when repetition is used correctly, it can greatly increase the emotional impact of your images.”

Here is a selection of photographs by 1x.com photographers that illustrates the power of repetition. 
See if you can spot the rhythms.

'Rhythm' by Richard Liu

'posing' by HAN dong hee

'Incensing work' by Azim Khan Ronnie

'Walter' by Umut Çirkin

'Monomania' by Raffaele Corte

n/t by saman pour khoshamouz

'Rhythms of Childhood' by Prithwiraj Gain

'Rhythm of paddy field b' by Shenshen Dou

'Mung Sliramu' by bonifasius whayu adi f

'Pasar Terapung' by Insan Kamil

'Fisher Women Catching Fishes' by Saurabh Sirohiya

'overlook' by toon maartense

n/t by Beata Bogdańska

'Beata's going swimming' by mumbler

'Into the Groove' by Michele Berlingeri

n/t by Leyla Emektar La_

'Moscow metro – crystal' by Maxim Makunin

'Akram Khan' by Sebastien DEL GROSSO

'Repeat' by Henk van Maastricht

'Upper West III' by Peter Pfeiffer

'Shoes maker' by Mahmoud Fayed

'closing time' by holger droste

'shutters' by Renata Lacina

Lourens Durand