Journey into the unknown

Tuesday 28 January 2014

Formal Element: Space [Positive and Negative]

Space is the defined by shapes and forms and can be perceived in two different ways.

Positive Space:

This is where shapes and forms exist.

Negative Space:

Refers to the empty parts around the shapes and forms.

Although negative space may seem quite unimportant as apposed to positive space, it is just as vital for a photograph. This is because, by having some negative space along with positive space in an image, a sense of balance is created between the two, thus the image is complete.

In the image attached above, the negative space is in actual fact the sky which is the space (empty space) around the leaves, branches and trees, however due to the way the image was taken, that negative space really does balance the image out.

Below are some examples of positive and negative space:

Silhouette

One of my images

"Two's Company" - my image

References:

Berdan, R, 2004, "Composition and the Elements of Visual Design" [online] Available at: http://photoinf.com/General/Robert_Berdan/Composition_and_the_Elements_of_Visual_Design.htm
[Accessed - 3rd January, 2014]

Eftaiha, D, 2010, "6 Elements of Design for Striking Photographs" [online] Available at: http://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/6-elements-of-design-for-striking-photographs--photo-2574
[Accessed - 3rd January, 2014]

James, T, (n.d), "7 Basic Elements of Photography" [online] Available at: http://www.ehow.com/info_10026945_7-basic-elements-photography.html
[Accessed - 3rd January, 2014]

Formal Element: Form

Form refers to the three-dimensionality of an object. One must keep in mind that form is best accentuated with the use of side lighting (either natural sunlight or artificial light [studio equipment]) because it creates contrast between the light and dark areas of the photograph. In doing so, one creates depth to the object and thus promotes its three-dimensionality.

Obviously, if the direction of light that hits the object changes, then so does the way the object is perceived. This is due to the way the light would hit the object and the certain kinds of shadows it would create in doing so. For instance, if one were to take a photograph of somebody at the beach who would not be facing the sun (meaning that the light is coming from behind the subject), then one would achieve a silhouette. Since silhouettes are two-dimensional and not three-dimensional, they lack form, however should one decide to take the same image but in black and white, because there would be an absence of colour, then form would seem to flourish more.

It is all about the way that the light hits our three-dimensional object. Whether from above (creating depth) or from the side (creating a dramatic feel). Form is an important formal element in photography nonetheless.

Formal Element: Shape

Shapes are created due to lines that have come to an end and that have connected with one another. The most common type of shapes are: triangles, squares, circles, stars, ovals and rectangles. A shape will be noticeable straight away if seen through the viewfinder of a camera as most of these are second nature to us (we learned them when we were children).

The good thing to know about shapes is that we use them all the time and as a photographer, one will find it very easy to create groups of shapes in order to perhaps improve a composition or even create a pattern in doing so

References:

Berdan, R, 2004, "Composition and the Elements of Visual Design" [online] Available at: http://photoinf.com/General/Robert_Berdan/Composition_and_the_Elements_of_Visual_Design.htm
[Accessed - 3rd January, 2014]

Eftaiha, D, 2010, "6 Elements of Design for Striking Photographs" [online] Available at: http://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/6-elements-of-design-for-striking-photographs--photo-2574
[Accessed - 3rd January, 2014]

James, T, (n.d), "7 Basic Elements of Photography" [online] Available at: http://www.ehow.com/info_10026945_7-basic-elements-photography.html
[Accessed - 3rd January, 2014]

Formal Element: Composition

Composition is defined as the way in which elements are combined with one another and placed into an image, thus creating a visual effect. Since I am speaking about composition, it is quite imperative to include the Rule of Thirds, since it is the most commonly used tool by which one can create a good composition for his/her image. This rule works like this: By dividing a photograph into nine sections (of equal size) using two imaginary horizontal and vertical lines, the photographer must try to align the main objects of the photograph at the points of intersection. If done correctly, it is said that a balanced composition will become noticeable.

References:

Berdan, R, 2004, "Composition and the Elements of Visual Design" [online] Available at: http://photoinf.com/General/Robert_Berdan/Composition_and_the_Elements_of_Visual_Design.htm
[Accessed - 3rd January, 2014]

Eftaiha, D, 2010, "6 Elements of Design for Striking Photographs" [online] Available at: http://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/6-elements-of-design-for-striking-photographs--photo-2574
[Accessed - 3rd January, 2014]

James, T, (n.d), "7 Basic Elements of Photography" [online] Available at: http://www.ehow.com/info_10026945_7-basic-elements-photography.html
[Accessed - 3rd January, 2014]

Formal Element: Texture

Whether it’s the bark of a tree or the surface (cover) of a manhole: It’s all the same. The texture seems too irresistible to not touch. Alas, we do it all the time, we touch a surface we find intriguing or one we are curious about because it looks inviting of course. Everything we touch and feel can be considered to be a type of texture. In photography, a photographer will take a close shot of a surface that is interesting (and could also be a repeated pattern) such as the surface of a wrinkled hand. By having zoomed in (possibly using a macro lens to obtain maximum quality and detail) one would automatically feel the need or want to actually touch that surface themselves.

References:

Berdan, R, 2004, "Composition and the Elements of Visual Design" [online] Available at: http://photoinf.com/General/Robert_Berdan/Composition_and_the_Elements_of_Visual_Design.htm
[Accessed - 3rd January, 2014]

Eftaiha, D, 2010, "6 Elements of Design for Striking Photographs" [online] Available at: http://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/6-elements-of-design-for-striking-photographs--photo-2574
[Accessed - 3rd January, 2014]

James, T, (n.d), "7 Basic Elements of Photography" [online] Available at: http://www.ehow.com/info_10026945_7-basic-elements-photography.html
[Accessed - 3rd January, 2014]

Formal Element: Line

By definition, a line is the path between two points. There are different types of lines and these can be vertical, horizontal, straight, curved, diagonal or zigzag. Motion and direction are two key attributes associated with lines.

The different types of lines all convey different emotions and can also create depth in a photograph. Also, a line can lead the viewer to a certain point in an image whilst also lead them away from a certain point in an image.

Vertical lines in photography tend to evoke strength, power and growth, whilst Curved lines are often perceived as soft and soothing. On the other hand, jagged lines can be perceived as sharp and threatening, whilst horizontal lines tend to evoke stability.Diagonal lines are usually used in order to guide the viewer toward the main subject of an image and they help to make an image more dynamic.

Formal Element: Light

Natural light

Just how important is light for a photographer ? It is everything, just like colour is. However before one can understand and study the categories that light fits into, one must first know about the two main types of light.

These are:

Natural Light,
Artificial Light.

Natural Light refers to the light that is created by the sun's rays, whereas artificial light refers to light that is man made.

Since we now know about the two main types of light that exist, we can now talk about how both natural and artificial lighting is important for the photographer.

When using natural light (as a photographer) and artificial light, it is important to keep in mind that the angle at which light hits a certain surface and the intensity of the light itself must be examined well. The level of detail in a photograph is based solely on the level of light that is available. This also has to do with exposure, since if a photograph contains too much light it will lose detail, whilst if it doesn't contain enough light it will also have the same result. Thus one must really know how to use light sources well in order to achieve the perfect results.The angle of light depends on the origin of the main source (natural light or artificial) and thus by experimenting with different angle of light, one can attain a different distribution of shadows every time.

Just as, in a studio one can experiment with different types of light, one can also do the same outside (naturally).

Diffused light - Attained using a softbox (in studio) or naturally by waiting for clouds to appear infront of the sun. Diffused light is light that is not bright (unlike direct sunlight) but instead is light that is dispersed across a larger surface area and evenly too (meaning that there are no shadows).

Strong light - Usually is either direct sunlight or else can be done in a studio by placing a light directly in front of the subject.

There are also different ways in which to light up a subject when taking photographs. One can decide to place a subject at an angle to the light from the sun or else a studio light and thus will bring out certain shadows which help the image to become more dramatic.

References:

James, T, (n.d), "7 Basic Elements of Photography" [online] Available at: http://www.ehow.com/info_10026945_7-basic-elements-photography.html
[Accessed - 3rd January, 2014]