Formal elements in photography means these six elements: line, shape, pattern, texture, tone, focus.

Line – Any type of line in a photo, it could come in any size or shape or color or form or pattern or texture or tone. Something that creates direction or is symbolic or something. Used for effect

Shape – Shapes in photography can be either geometric (straight edged and defined) or organic (curvy).

Pattern – Objects, shapes, or lines that repeat or creates a pattern. E.g. reflection, echo, maze

Texture – The feel of a photograph if it were tangible

Tone – Having a range of tones in a photo from dark to light. Shows value.

Focus – The level of clearness in a photograph, parts of a photo could be either sharp or blurry

TONE

SHAPE

FOCUS

PATTERN

LINE