Formal Elements are the components utilized to make artwork, such as lines, shapes, patterns, textures, tone, and focus. Below, I will be explaining these 6 elements in detail.

Line: two points that connect in a photo, usually drawing the viewer’s eye to the focus of the main subject of the photo. Examples of lines can include curved, straight, thin, etc.

Shape: the two-dimensional object in the photo; it is essential for the composition and is used to form symmetry or patterns.

Pattern: repeating lines, shapes, patterns, etc in a photo.

Texture: usually close-up of objects and is used to emphasize the quality of the subject.

Tone: level of light or color and conveys emotion. The most common tone in photography is the gradual shift from black to white.

As shown from the photographs above, an image can simultaneously show multiple elements. For example, the photo that is supposed to represent “shape,” can also show lines as from the staircase, there are lines cooperating in the view. Furthermore, for the image of “texture,” the spaces created by the veins of the leaves can also be viewed as shapes and lines. Ultimately, elements often combine together, creating a better view of the image, and also simply because this is true nature; when we differentiate the photos, it’s often only due to each person’s perspective and how they view it.