[ Formal Elements ]

• • Formal elements are visual features that have the potential to transform simple subjects into great shots.
    • ex) line, shape/ form, pattern, etc.

line: Line create visual interest and conveys a message in an image. It can direct the viewer’s attention, make sense of depth, and develop an understanding of movement.

shape: Shape is an essential element of photography composition, as it can create balance and symmetry in your photos or lead the viewer’s eye toward the main subject.

pattern: Patterns are made of lines, shapes, textures, contrasts of light and darkness, sun and shadow. It can compose a visually compelling image that keeps the viewer engaged.

texture: Texture adds visual interest. Unlike pure lines or patterns, irregular or complex texture holds the viewer’s interest. Texture can also provide information about the subject- it age, condition, and other qualities.

tone: Tone refers to the levels of brightness in the photograph. ex) solid black to pure white

focus: It is part of an image that draws the eye of the viewer to the most important part of the image or the area you want to highlight.

It is hard for an image to show just one element at a time; as we see in the examples, a picture that was supposed to represent one element also has other features. For example, the ” pattern ” picture also contains texture, shape, and line.

Paul Strand

This photograph includes lines, shapes, and textures. I named the title “Seek” because it is hard to find the intention of the image, but the viewers can still spot some elements the photographer included. An interesting thing about this picture is that the shadows form the patterns and lines. In addition, although the picture seems like there needs to be more information, if the viewers seek detailed insight, we can find all the basic shapes: rectangular, triangular, and circle.