What does it mean by “Formal Element” in photography? Photographers define it in a variety of ways, I define it as elements that is required for photography. I think there are multiple elements that form every photo. Lines, shapes, patterns, texture, tone or even the focus of a photo.
Line
“Rhine II”, by Andrea Gursky
This photo taken in 1999, by Andrea Gursky. This image exhibits clarity, with sharp lines that clearly separate the diverse colors and areas. I think that this makes it easy for the viewers to concentrate on each part without confusion. The clarity of the lines gives the image a very organized and neat feel, making the viewers comfortable to look at.
Shape
“Abstraction, Twin Lakes, Connecticut”, by Paul Strand
This photo wastaken in 1916, known to be one of the first abstract photos to be made intentionally. There are multiple shapes that form this photo, curvy shapes looking like a table, the shadows also forms a variety of shapes.
Texture
While the photo “Abstraction, Twin Lakes, Connecticut”, by Paul Strand could be an abstract photo representing shapes, it also has different textures. The parts of the photo covered with shadows has a relatively rougher texture, while the brighter part of the photo has a very smooth surface.
Pattern
(no title),by Alexander Jacques
This photo is taken by Alexander Jacques, is a photo taken in Paris. Many of photo taken by Alexander Jacques are photos of the exteriors of building without any surrouding object, making them into abstract surfaces.
Tone
(no title), by Frances Seward
This particular photo is taken by Frances Seward, the photo has a variety of colors, with the brighter inner part and the darker outer part. The tone of the photo slowly changes from top to bottom, getting darker and darker.
Focus
(no title), by Albert Renger
In this photo, there is a concentration point in the middle and countless lines surrounding it. I think that this is a really clear focus point.
Elements
Could there be only one element in a photo? My answer is no, I think that a photo needs multiple elements to be formed. The variety of colors showing tone, the lines forming shapes or dividing areas. All these elements get together to form an amazing photo.