Formal Elements in Photography
An understanding of the following elements will help you understand how to 'read' an image and describe what you can see.
Formal Elements of Photography
Focus
The area which is sharpest in the image.
Light
Which direction does it come from, where are the highlights and shadows? What colour (temperature) is it?
Lines
Are there any lines in the image? Are the straight or curvy? Do they lead your eye to a certain part of the image?
Shape
2D shapes in the image, are they Geometric (man-made) or Organic?
Form
3D Shapes, how can you tell they are 3D? Do they cast and shadows? Does the light change across the surface?
Rhythm
Repeated shapes or patterns.
Depth
Is the image flat or are there objects near and far?
Texture
How the image would feel if you touched it.
Tone (Value)
The difference between the darkest and lightest part of the image.
Formal Elements of Photography
Focus
The area which is sharpest in the image.
Light
Which direction does it come from, where are the highlights and shadows? What colour (temperature) is it?
Lines
Are there any lines in the image? Are the straight or curvy? Do they lead your eye to a certain part of the image?
Shape
2D shapes in the image, are they Geometric (man-made) or Organic?
Form
3D Shapes, how can you tell they are 3D? Do they cast and shadows? Does the light change across the surface?
Rhythm
Repeated shapes or patterns.
Depth
Is the image flat or are there objects near and far?
Texture
How the image would feel if you touched it.
Tone (Value)
The difference between the darkest and lightest part of the image.