7 Principles of photography (The Formal Elements)
There are 7 Principles of photography that we need to understand in order to create interesting images. These are:
- Line
- Shape
- Form
- Texture
- Pattern
- Colour
- Space
Line
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6AP49hI3e0Lines can be used to help guide a viewer to explore an image.
Horizontal lines can suggest calmness or restfulness.
Vertical lines can suggest strength.
Converging lines draw draw attention to a particular part of the image.
Curved lines can be relaxing and jagged lines can be uncomfortable or chaotic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6AP49hI3e0
TASK
Demonstrate you understanding of lines by creating an image that uses each of the following:
- Vertical Lines
- Horizontal Lines
- Converging Lines
- Curved Lines
- Jagged Lines
SHAPE
When we talk about shape in an image we are taking about 2 dimensional shapes. The is most easily demonstrated using silhouettes but it can be represented in other ways.
TASK
Produce a series of images that use interesting shapes as the main subject.
To start try and find examples of Circles, Triangles, Squares and Rectangles. Once you have those try and find examples of irregular shapes.
TASK
Produce a series of images that use interesting shapes as the main subject.
To start try and find examples of Circles, Triangles, Squares and Rectangles. Once you have those try and find examples of irregular shapes.
FORM
Form is concerned with the 3D shape in an image. Photographs work on a 2 dimensional plane but with careful consideration of subject and lighting we can represent 3D subjects in an image.
TASK
1. Collect at least one object which has an interesting form.
2. Using lamps or studio lighting experiment with various light positioning to emphasize the form of the subjects and photograph them.
3. Convert the images to black and white and discuss which image best represents the form of the image and explain why.
TASK
1. Collect at least one object which has an interesting form.
2. Using lamps or studio lighting experiment with various light positioning to emphasize the form of the subjects and photograph them.
3. Convert the images to black and white and discuss which image best represents the form of the image and explain why.
TEXTURE
Texture concerns itself with the surface of a subject. Images which focus on texture should encourage you to think about how the subject would feel when touched. Careful consideration of directional light will help emphasize texture in an image. When photographing texture try to avoid distractions in the image which will draw attention away from the texture.
TASK
Go out and explore the surrounding area to find interesting textures to produce a series of images. Evaluate you images and discuss which images work best and why.
TASK
Go out and explore the surrounding area to find interesting textures to produce a series of images. Evaluate you images and discuss which images work best and why.
PATTERN
Patterns are shapes or textures that are organised in a rhythmic way. These can be both man made or natural.
TASK
Explore you surroundings and produce a series of images which represent patterns both man-made and natural.
TASK
Explore you surroundings and produce a series of images which represent patterns both man-made and natural.
COLOUR
Black and white photography help us to focus on form, shape and texture but sometimes we want colour to be the subject of the image. It is important that we understand how some colours are considered to be 'warm and lively' and some are considered 'cool and calm'. Colour combination also plays and important role when choosing colour in an image. Colour theory can help us choose colour combinations in an image.
TASK
Compose two images, one that uses an analogous colour scheme and one that uses a complimentary colour scheme.
TASK
Compose two images, one that uses an analogous colour scheme and one that uses a complimentary colour scheme.
SPACE
Sometimes we need to give our subject 'room to breath' in an image. By using negative space around our subject we can add context and draw attention to our subject. Removing clutter or distraction from our image also add a sense of calm to the image. It is important that we take time to find the right balance between the negative and positive (the subject) space in an image.
TASK
Produce a series of images of one subject that demonstrate different uses of negative space and explain which one you think is most effective and why.
TASK
Produce a series of images of one subject that demonstrate different uses of negative space and explain which one you think is most effective and why.