Formal Elements

Formal elements are the little parts that form the art work. There are seven basic elements of photography, the all refer to the way you set up your photograph. Often used together, and how they are organised in a piece of art determines what the finished piece will look like. These are:

• Line
• Shape
• Form
• Texture
• Pattern
• Colour
• Space

Line

The leading lines photography definition is a simple composition line concept. The viewer’s eyes are naturally drawn along vertical lines, parallel lines, diagonal lines and even strong horizontal lines. A leading line takes you to a point of interest in the frame. And a path tends to lead you to a vanishing point.

Shape

A shape is two-dimensional. Yes, a photograph itself is two-dimensional, but a shape in a photograph doesn’t have any appearance of depth.

Form

Form refers to when shape takes on three dimensions.Form is created by shadows and highlights on an object in the photograph.

Texture

When talking about photography texture refers to the visual quality of the surface of an object, revealed through variances in shape, tone and colour depth.

Pattern

Pattern photography utilises elements that are repeated. The repetition of lines, shapes, tones or colour can create interesting images.

Colour

Colour photography can be used to lead the viewer’s eyes and draw attention to certain parts of the photo or it can express and influence the viewer’s mood.

Space

In photography, there is positive and negative space. Positive space is any part of the photo that jumps out from its surroundings. That includes your subject, for example, along with other noteworthy areas of detail. Negative space is just the opposite.

Portraits using formal elements

In this portrait there is texture and lines.

In this portrait, there is the use of line, colour and form.

In this portrait, there is the use of shape, lines and space.

My examples

The photo of the grass above, is an example of form and texture. As the multiple layers of grass gives it a 3D effect and the detailing on the leaves allows you to tell the texture of them.

The image of the bench above, is an example of lines, as the metal lines that make up the bench make your eyes follow into the middle pole of the bench.

The image of Ethan above, is an example of space. This is shown with the pure white sky taking up about 80% of the image. This makes it seem heavenly.

The image of Ethan above, is an example of colour due to the bright background contrasting against his dark clothing.

The image of the path above, is an example of lines, as they make your eyes follow them from the bottom left corner to the top right corner.