The subject of this research is such a means of harmonization of composition of the image in a plane as the contrast. The article assesses the possibility and factors of using contrast for increasing the attractiveness of the designed photographic image. The author reviews the examples of photo images with appropriate use of contrast; provides the research data on the perception[WU1]  of contrast by human visual system.; explores correlation between contrast and the conditions for a harmonious composition; as well as reviews the connection between the properties of compositional elements of photography and the components of visual perception, discovered by R. Barthes in his work “Camera Lucida”. The author carries out the analysis of photographic images; compares the empirical data on the study of perception of contrast by a human; applies the methods of induction and deduction in analyzing the acquitted results and comparing them with the characteristics of a harmonious composition. The author’s special contribution consists in comparison of the results of empirical research of perception of contrast by a human in the context of dependence of the sensitivity of human visual system on the size of observable alternating contrast lines and the size of the dominant in relation to the image field object of composition. It is proposed to use high contrasts of the elements of detail drawing for reaching harmonization of composition of the designed image elements.  [WU1]