Formal elements are design elements that all image makers should be aware of when considering image compositions. They can often make up the primary visual features of a frame and, when applied, have the potential to transform simple subjects into fantastic shots.

  1. Line: –  Lines are visual paths that can be actual or implicit. They can be straight, curved, diagonal, horizontal or vertical.
  2. Shape-  A shape is a two-dimensional region defined by a change in line or color or texture. They can be geometric shapes (circles, squares, triangles) or organic shapes (irregular, flowing forms). Geometry conveys a sense of order, structure, and balance. It is common in architectural and urban photography.
  3. Patterns are repetitions of elements such as shapes, colors, or textures that create consistent and predictable designs. Repeat: Create a sense of rhythm and harmony. Patterns can be found in artificial structures (such as tiles, tiles, or windows) and in nature (such as trees or ripples in the water).
  4. Texture refers to the surface quality of an object, which can be smooth, rough, soft, hard, etc. It is often emphasized by the interaction of light and shadow. Side lighting: Create shadows using side lighting to highlight textures and make them more visible and tactile.
  5. Tone/Value: Tone or value refers to the brightness or darkness of a color. This is crucial for creating contrast, depth, and emotion in photos.
  6. Focus: focus refers to the sharpness or clarity of the subject in the photograph. It can be used to direct the audience’s attention and create a sense of depth.

Example images of Line, shape, pattern, texture, tone, focus:

Images can display several elements at a time, such as these examples, some of which together show line and shape and tone. These elements can be displayed together in an image.

 

The photographer seems interested in capturing several elements that highlight different aspects of form and texture. Contrast and texture: Photographers seem to focus on contrasting textures and surfaces. For example, the glossy surface contrasts sharply with the rough fiber texture of cabbage leaves. Similarly, the intricate spiral pattern of the Nautilus shell stands out in a more homogeneous pattern of onions and dunes.
Forms and shapes: Emphasis is placed on various forms and shapes. Curves and lines in pepper, geometric patterns in onions, organic shapes of shells and rocks all have forms. The use of light and shadow plays an important role in these images. The interaction between light and shade enhances the depth and dimension of each theme. I think the appropriate title might be “The form and Light in objects”. This title reflects the photographer’s interest in capturing different shapes and textures of different subjects in different lighting conditions. The single color reflects the play of light and shadow.

The image features a series of black-and-white photographs showcasing various objects and scenes.

Line:
Cabbage Leaf (1931): The lines in the cabbage leaf are soft and flowing, creating a sense of movement.
Pepper No. 30 (1930): The lines here are bold and curved, emphasizing the form of the pepper.
Dunes, Oceano (1936): The lines in the sand dunes are long and sweeping
Nautilus: The lines follow the natural spiral of the shell
Onion Halved (1930): The lines are concentric circles, showing the layers of the onion.
Excusado (Toilet) (1925): The lines are straight and angular, reflecting the structure of the toilet.
Shell and Rocks Arranged (1931): The lines are softer and more organic, blending into the background.
Shell (1927): The lines follow the curve of the shell, highlighting its shape.

Shape:
Cabbage Leaf: The overall shape is irregular and organic.
Pepper No. 30: The shape is rounded and bulbous.
Dunes, Oceano: The shapes are large and expansive, covering much of the frame.
Nautilus: The shape follows the natural spiral of the shell.
Onion Halved: The shape is circular when viewed from above.
Excusado (Toilet): The shape is rectangular with some curves.
Shell and Rocks Arranged: The shapes are organic and blend together.
Shell: The shape is elongated and curved.

Pattern:
Cabbage Leaf: The pattern is random and organic.
Pepper No. 30: The pattern is created by the folds and creases in the pepper.
Dunes, Oceano: The pattern is linear and repetitive.
Nautilus: The pattern is symmetrical and follows the spiral.
Onion Halved: The pattern is concentric circles.
Excusado (Toilet): The pattern is minimalistic and functional.
Shell and Rocks Arranged: The pattern is random and natural.
Shell: The pattern is symmetrical and follows the spiral.

Texture:
Cabbage Leaf: The texture appears soft and delicate.
Pepper No. 30: The texture looks smooth and shiny.
Dunes, Oceano: The texture is rough and granular.
Nautilus: The texture is smooth and polished.
Onion Halved: The texture is layered and fibrous.
Excusado (Toilet): The texture is smooth and clean.
Shell and Rocks Arranged: The texture varies depending on the rock type.
Shell: The texture is smooth and slightly ridged.

Tone:
– All images are in black and white, so they rely heavily on tones ranging from deep blacks to bright whites, with various shades of gray in between. This creates contrast and depth in the images.

Focus:
– Each image has a clear focal point, whether it’s the entire object or specific details within the object. The focus draws the viewer’s attention to the main subject while keeping other elements less prominent.

Work cited:

“7 Formal Elements of Photography.” *Kim Farrand Photography*, Kim Farrand, <https://kimfarrandphotography.com/7-formal-elements-of-photography/>. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.

“Horizontal Lines in Photography.” *Photography Axis*, <https://www.photographyaxis.com/wp-content/uploads/Horizontal-Lines-in-Photography-650×433.jpg>. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.

“Image from Bing.” *Bing Images*, <https://tse4-mm.cn.bing.net/th/id/OIP-C.juawloTcKIAuA2VGCYmLawAAAA?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain>. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.

“GuruShots Photo.” *GuruShots*, <https://photos.gurushots.com/unsafe/855×0/e5af4f211833ad6f9b91f4e082119828/3_8ea446e7acb591ae00bbcfbbc6689215.jpg>. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.

“Rock Image from MIT.” *MIT People*, Soonmin Bae, <https://ts1.cn.mm.bing.net/th/id/R-C.2afebc0725a2aacbc127d5dfabdaa080?rik=29d8%2fgzhfhanTg&riu=http%3a%2f%2fpeople.csail.mit.edu%2fsoonmin%2fphotolook%2frock_result.png&ehk=JVrtumkCPIDhjgKhSbr6RS7YP%2bYe62RZIESIza62WdQ%3d&risl=&pid=ImgRaw&r=0>. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.

“Dandelion Shallow DOF Close to Subject.” *Discover Digital Photography*, <https://static1.discoverdigitalphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/selective-focus-photography-tips/640px/dandelion-shallow-dof-close-to-subject.jpg>. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024