Formal Elements: The Formal Elements are the parts used to make a photograph. The art elements are line, shape, form, tone, texture, pattern, color and composition. They are often used together, and how they are organized in a piece of art determines what the finished piece will look like.

  • Line: Lines can be used to frame and unify, or to divide and separate elements within an image. Leading lines can direct the viewer’s eye through a scene to a point of interest – and they can do so with a sense of urgency with direct, straight lines, or at a relaxed pace with fluid, curved lines.
  • Shape: Shape elements are often found in photography in the form of patterns. They can also be use to draw emphasis to part of the frame. Shapes can create contrast between the subject and their environment. These are just some of the uses.
  • Pattern: Patterns are repeated shapes, colors, tones, or objects. A pattern is predictable in its repetition. It is this repetition and predictability that gives patterns visual strength. Simple patterns have a repeating sequence of only a couple of attributes.
  • Texture: If you imagine reaching out, closing your eyes, and touching a photo, texture is how it would feel in three dimensions. Sand might feel smooth and granular. Water could be smooth and glassy, or it could be rough and sharp.
  • Tone: It is the element we use to create the mood or atmosphere of an artwork. The Visual Element of Tone defines the lightness or darkness of a color. The tonal values of an artwork can be adjusted to alter its expressive character. Tone refers to the levels of brightness in the photograph, from solid black to pure white.
  • Focus: Focus in photography refers to the area of the image that appears sharpest. It is crucial for drawing attention to a specific object, person, or scene, and is a fundamental aspect of photography alongside ISO, aperture, and shutter speed.

Examples:

Line

Shape

Pattern

Texture

Tone

Focus

An image in photography can show more than one element at a time. In fact, many photographs intentionally capture multiple elements to tell a story, convey a theme, or create visual interest. These elements could include different subjects, objects, or even contrasting environments.