Definition of Focal Points

The phrase "focal point" can mean a variety of things, but literally it is talking about focus. It refers to something that brings focus to itself, is a point where someone wants focus to be brought or where focus is being gathered. Its exact meaning changes in different contexts.

Photography

The photographer uses contrast for a focal point.

Focal points are used in photography to "draw in" the viewer. In this example, the eye is drawn to the streetlight and its contrast of bright yellow to the blue and dark building around it. The photography almost forces the viewer to focus on the streetlight, making this the focal point.

Perspective Drawing

To draw this scene a focal point would be used at the horizon.

When an artist draws a scene of a large area, one or more invisible focal points are used to create depth. When witnessing a live scene, the viewer sees everything in perspective, which is to say the viewer doesn't see square things as square; if they are angled, they are angled in perspective. In order to duplicate this, the artist must use focal points to represent the artificial horizon. Looking at the picture, in order to draw the walkway, the artist would have to draw it as though it were smaller at the "top." A focal point would be used for this.

Medicine

The cause of swollen lymph nodes would be a focal point.

A focal point in medicine is the aspect of a disease or infection that doctors are most concerned with. There may be many symptoms of a condition, but doctors will make one or two areas the focal points, with the theory that the various symptoms stem from a certain cause.

Landscaping

Statues become the focal point in the Kopan monastery.

Focal points are used in landscape design to add perspective to an outside garden. An interesting tree or large flower or combination of colors turn a plain yard into a showpiece.

Decorating

Fireplaces are common focal points in interior decorating.

Creating a focal point in interior decorating is a great way to bring a room together and give it some perspective. A fireplace, a single red chair in an otherwise monotone room or simply a vase of contrasting flowers can be a focal point.

Psychology

Psychologists use focal points.

Focal points in psychology are periods of a person's life that the psychologist has the patient focus on to understand her behavior. These can be traumatic or happy events that helped to shape a person's life.