Having fun with Knolling style photography in Midjourney.
Knolling Photography is a unique style of photography that involves arranging related objects in parallel or at 90-degree angles. This creates a sense of order and symmetry. The objects are usually placed on a flat surface, and the photograph is taken from above, giving a bird’s-eye view of the items.
Here are some key points about knolling photography:
- Origin: The term “knolling” was first used in 1987 by Andrew Kromelow, a janitor at Frank Gehry’s furniture fabrication shop. He would arrange displaced tools at right angles on all surfaces, and called this routine “knolling”, referencing the straight angles used in Knoll furniture.
- Purpose: Knolling is not just about aesthetics. It’s a way to organize items and tools, making them easily visible and accessible. This is especially useful in professions where efficiency and precision are crucial.
- Technique: To achieve a good knolled photograph, it’s essential to have a uniform background, good lighting (preferably natural light), and objects that are related in some way. The arrangement should be neat, with equal spacing between items.
- Applications: Beyond photography, the concept of knolling is used in various fields. For instance, in the design world, knolling can be used to showcase product components. In the culinary world, chefs might use knolling to display ingredients.
In essence, knolling is a blend of organization and art, creating visually pleasing images that also serve a functional purpose. Whether you’re looking at a knolled image of someone’s travel essentials or a workshop table organized meticulously, the principles of knolling remain the same: order, symmetry, and clarity.
