Lens-Artists,  Photographic techniques,  Themed galleries

Gallery: using juxtaposition for effect

February 25, 2026 / 66 Comments

Juxtaposition: the fact of putting things that are not similar next to each other

Definition from the Cambridge Dictionary

Juxtaposition is often referred to as a literary device, placing two concepts close together to highlight their differences. But it is just as effective in visual arts, including photography.

Patti reminds us of this in setting this week’s Lens Artists challenge. I really liked the quote she chose to open her post:

By carefully placing two different objects or concepts together in a photograph…one is able to create an interesting sense of contrast which, in turn, can elicit a reaction, provoke meaningful thought, lead to a story, or just raise a smile.

Lourens Durand

I’m only just back from Sri Lanka but when I spotted this challenge a few days ago I knew I would want to join in. And I realised when I started hunting for some examples to share that this is something I tend to look for without having realised that I do so. Most of the shots below were taken with an awareness of the contrast in the juxtaposed subjects; indeed it was that very contrast that drew me to take them.  And these contrasting elements hopefully work together to elicit a response from the viewer, just as they did from me.

You will probably have seen most of these images in previous posts but they were the best I could find to illustrate this concept! And two are very new, taken on our stopover in Doha.

My feature photo was, like several others below, taken in Paris, in the Bourse de Commerce. Capturing gallery visitors alongside the works of art on display is a favourite subject of mine.

In the Plaza Botero, Medellin, Colombia

This was a photo that just had to be taken, the man perfectly posed next to the sculpture that he so closely resembled!

In Vigan, Philippines

I smiled to see the bike very obviously blocking the driveway, in defiance of the notices

On Mount Paektu, North Korea

I was struck by the contrast between the delicate flower and the rocky mountainside where it had found a precarious home

In Doha, Qatar

Similarly, the soft fronds of the palm tree contrast with the smooth and angular surfaces of the building

In Arpino, Italy

And the smooth shiny car contrasts with the rough walls behind it

The Louvre, Paris

The modern glass pyramid is very different in style to the historic architecture of the rest of the museum, but each acts as a foil for the other

On the Rue de Seine, Paris

The passer-by appears to have elicited a reaction from the sculpture on this gallery poster!

By the Pyramid of the Sun, Teotihuacan, Mexico

I wonder what the ancient people who built these pyramids would make of this modern-day souvenir seller?

In Tallinn, Estonia

My attention was caught by the contrast between the skimpily dressed mannequin and the elderly lady dressed for cold weather and selling woollen mittens

Fontana del Nettuno, Bologna

Another striking contrast, this time between the rather suggestive sculpture and the young boys at its feet

In the Plaza de Armas, Santiago, Chile

A three way juxtaposition here, with the human statue standing below an actual statue while another man turns to look

And finally, another shot from Doha, Qatar

Here West Bay skyscrapers form a contrasting backdrop to the traditional dhows

66 Comments

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