The Art of Knolling: Precision and Order in Photographic Composition

The photographic technique known as "knolling" originated in the late 1980s and was conceived by architect Andrew Kromelow while employed at Frank Gehry's furniture design studio.

Observing the chaos of his workspace, Kromelow embarked on a project to meticulously arrange and organize all elements at 90-degree angles.

Upon capturing the resulting composition photographically and having been given the studio's concurrent project for the Knoll furniture company, he named this organizational method 'knolling.'

This photographic approach, centered on the systematic organization of objects, is distinguished by its predominantly overhead perspective, wherein displayed elements are precisely aligned with parallel 90-degree angles.

The technique involves photographing a single object or a collection of items that have been disassembled and arranged on a flat surface, adhering them to a structured order based on usage, form, and size.

Although precursors to this technique already existed, such as those found in medical instrumental manuals, knolling gained significant attention when applied to a broader range of objects, including culinary items.

This method offers a visually organized presentation, allowing each element within the photograph to stand out distinctly without diminishing others, thereby establishing a novel standard of visual order.

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