Formal elements of Photography
- Explain what the phrase Formal Elements means in photography.
- Describe each of the 6 elements discussed so far (line, shape, pattern, texture, tone, focus)
- Give an example that emphasizes each element (you can use your own image or an image from somebody else – but it must be cited!)
- Can an image show just one element at a time? Justify your answer.
Formal Elements in photography is what makes up an image, it is the visual tools that photographers use to compose their shots and convey their emotion, intent, or emotion. This includes line, shape and form, pattern, tone, color, texture, and space
- Line – Lines are what guides your eyes through a photo. It can be straight, diagonal, zigzag, it can place emphasis on the subject or convey a sense of movement
- Shape – It can be simple and geometric, like circles and squares or it can be more organic like a shape of a leaf or cloud.
- Pattern – Repeating elements in a photo, like repeating shapes, lines or colors, it makes the photo feel more organized
- Texture – How things look like they would feel if you touched it. Texture can make surfaces look rough, smooth, soft, or hard.
- Tone – Range of light and dark in a photo. It affects the mood of the image.
- Focus – What is sharp and clear in the photo vs what’s blurry. It directs attention to the most important part of the image.
Example of Formal Elements:
Line –
Shape –
Pattern –
Texture –
Tone –
Focus –
- PICK ONE PHOTOGRAPH FROM ONE OF THE NAMED PHOTOGRAPHERS “Abstract photography can be defined as capturing images in which the subject isn’t the most interesting element. Albert Renger-Patzsch, Edward Weston and Aaron Siskind photographed the ordinary to reveal their beauty. Uta Barth reversed the typical use of the camera, shooting out of focus and Andreas Gursky photographs the repetition of elements. During this unit you will investigate appropriate examples of abstract photography and respond in your own way..”
List 3 things the photographer might have been interested in capturing in this picture?
- Edward Weston likely sought to capture the beauty and elegance of the cabbage leaf. He transforms a simple vegetable into a work of art, emphasizing that such intricate things are found in natural forms
- He might have also been interested in emphasizing the texture of the cabbage leaf. The fine details, like the veins and wrinkles allows the viewer to image the feel of the leaf, making the image more engaging
- The play of the light and shadow across the leaf’s surface is something Weston might have explored. The varying tones created by the light helps to highlight the leaf’s depth, it almost appears as if it was sculpted.
If you were the photographer, what title would you give it? Explain why.
- I would title the image “Nature’s Veins.” This title reflects the veins visible in the leaf. It also emphasizes the way nature’s ways can mirror those of the human body.
Describe the use of line, shape, Pattern, texture, tone and focus – USE THE NOTES ABOVE AS A GUIDE. SOME EXAMPLES of WORK BELOW.
- Lines: The lines are fluid and organic, it leads the eye through the curves and folds.
- Shape: The shape in the photograph are organic and irregular, which is characteristic of natural forms. The leaf’s shape fills the frame and is faced down, creating a sense of movement and flow.
- Pattern: The veins and folds of the cabbage leaf is a very intricate pattern, which adds complexity to the image. The repetition of the natural lines and shape draws the viewer to look more closely at the detailed surface
- Texture: Texture is very significant in the photograph. The detailed capture of the leaf’s surface is smooth yet veined texture.