2. Line
Line photography provides
movement, organization and
texture, as well as gives
guide to the eye, movement,
and makes a statement or
universal meaning.
3. Shape 2D
One of the basic elements of design, shape conveys
universal meanings, and provides a guide to the eye. It
can also organize information. There are three types of
shape; geometric, natural, and abstract.
4. Form 3D
The three- dimensionality of an object is form. It is life;
you can take hold, walk around, and walk in form.
5. Color
Color affects both men and
women, possibly
differently. By affecting the
human nervous system,
we respond to colors
emotionally.
6. Texture
Texture is a part of our
world. It becomes the
visual or tactile surface
that completes a piece.
7. Depth (Perspective)
Our world is three-
dimensional, and full of
depth. Any artist can use
illusions to distribute
depth.
Depth, when
manipulated, can make the
viewer see the items in the
piece at a farther, or
perhaps closer distance.
8. Light
Light at different volumes provide
contrast for the picture. This then
leads to a certain emotion or
feeling that is being played with
within the photo.
9. Direction (Motion)
Because of the simple reason that we can not show
motion in one photo, we use simple or even complex
tricks to perceive motion. Such tricks are; Anticipated
Movement, Fuzzy Outlines, Multiple Images, Optical
Movement, Optical Illusions, and Rhythm and
Movement.
10. Mass (Visual Weight)
Mass is equivalent to size, and each
piece you create has a visual weight.
Every element within the piece has
their own mass that is relative to the
piece as a whole.
11. Tone (Black and White)
Also referred to as value, tone is the various degrees of
lighting of a subject. The color of the image is not
important. Elements within tone are; Shade: color with
black. Tint: color with white. Tone: color with grey.
12. Value
Value is the lightness or darkness of a
specific area. It can be used to
emphasis something, create a focal
point, or create illusion’s of depth.
Areas of different lighting cave give a
three-dimensional impression.
13. Space
(Positive and Negative)
Space is in an image to serve a purpose. Space includes
the background, foreground and middle ground.
Positive space means the space of a shape represents
the subject matter. Negative space means the space
around and between the subject matter.
14. Balance
There are three types of
balance;
Symmetrical, asymmetrical, an
d radial. Symmetrical is when
one half of the picture looks
exactly like the other half.
Asymmetrical is when one half
of the picture looks similar, but
is not the same as the other
half. Radial is circular or spiral
paths are formed in the image.
15. Emphasis
Emphasis is used to provide
focal points for the subject.
Also called dominance,
Emphasis is used to make the
key point of the image, stand
out.
16. Proportion (Scale)
Proportion; referred to as the size
and scale of various things in an
image, is mainly the relationship
between the things. It is necessary to discuss proportion
in terms of the context or standard used to determine
proportions.
17. Repetition (Rhythm)
Repetition is used to make the subject readable or
understandable. It makes the viewer have a
knowledgeable guess of what to expect.
18. Unity
Unity is used to make the
objects in the image seem
as if they are related. To
achieve this, you can use
proximity, repetition, and
continuation.
19. Contrast
Contrast occurs when two elements are
different. The less similar two elements
are, the greater the contrast. The key is
to making the differences obvious.
20. Harmony
Harmony is all about appearance. It is to make the
visual image appealing, and visually satisfying.
Harmony is made when combining similar and related
elements.
21. Proximity
By spacing pieces and organizing
them according to their relation to
each other, you are creating visual
structure and gives the subject and
organized feel.
22. Variety
Variety means to make an element
different. It is a compliment to unity
and is needed to create visual
interest. Without it, an image is
chaotic, unreadable, dull and
uninteresting.
Shape is one of the basic elements of design. Alone or in combination with other shapes or lines they can convey universal meanings as well as guide the eye or organize information. The three basic types of shapes are geometric, natural and abstract.
