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.

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: 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:

1. Natural Light,
2. 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]

Formal Element: Colour

Spectrum of Colour

Colour. It is everywhere you look, everywhere you go, everywhere you are. It is undoubtedly one of the most important elements in photography (and art/painting of course) and it is quite vital to know about the different types of colours as well as various combinations.


In fact, as you will see below, I have included a (quite complex) diagram/chart of a colour wheel that briefly explains all the different types of colours (with different combinations) and also their meanings:

Complex Colour Wheel

The very first thing one must know about colours in general is that there are two main categories that exist:

1. PRIMARY COLOURS - RED, YELLOW, BLUE.
2. SECONDARY COLOURS - GREEN, ORANGE PURPLE.

It  is important to mention complimentary colours. These are colours that when placed next to each other, reinforce themselves nicely whilst also creating a strong contrast.


Complimentary Colours: Magenta and Green, Red and Cyan, Blue and Yellow


It is not enough to just have mentioned colour in general, it is imperative that one knows about the certain attributes which in fact characterize colour. Hue and Saturation, Value and Tone, Warm versus Cool colours...these are all vital traits that exist and that must be understood as well.

Let us begin with Hue and Saturation. Hue refers to a colour or shade, whereas saturation is defined as the intensity or vividness of a colour. Thus one might add that the two go hand in hand.

Value and Tone are also important. Value refers to how light or dark a colour is, and can be said that a colour's value depends on the amount of black or white that is added to it. Tone, however refers to whether or not a colour is vibrant or dull.

Last but not least we come to warm colours as opposed to cool colours. It is quite simple to understand that warm colours are ones that give off feelings of passion, love, warmth and are often associated with: THE SUN and FIRE. On the other hand, cool colours tend to depict more of a sad and dull feeling. More often than not, one would associate cool colours with: SNOW, WATER and SHADOWS.

WARM COLOURS -Yellow, Red and Orange.
COOL COLOURS - Violet, Blue and Green.


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]

The Formal Elements in Photography

 What are the formal elements in photography ?

Formal elements refer to the characteristics that make up a photograph. Every photograph is different in its own right; however there are certain elements that each and every photograph is comprised of. It is imperative that anyone who is interested in photography must be aware of the elements that exist so that they can better understand the subject (photography) and thus be able to capture photographs in improved ways.

Let’s say that you want to take a photograph of for instance a tree, without knowing about them, there are many elements within that photograph you have in mind. These elements are the very foundations of your photograph, and if you know about them, you are already on the path to raising your standards and quality too.

As it is with art, especially when dealing with painting as an art, there are certain formal elements/characteristics that MUST be discussed in order to gain a better understanding of the subject.


Some of the most important elements in photography are:

1. Colour, 
2. Light,
3. Line,
4. Texture,
5. Form,
6. Shape,
7. Composition,
8. Space [Positive and Negative].

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]

Antoine Hercule Romuald Florence

Antoine H.R Florence (1804-1879) was a French/Brazilian inventor and painter. As a child he was interested in drawing and the sciences and in fact at the age of just 14 he was already working as a calligrapher and draftsman in Monaco. After a few years of working on board of warships and merchant ships, he set sail to Brazil with the crew of the French warship: "Marie Thereze". He then arrived in the port of Rio de Janeiro on the 1st May, 1824. Since he already possessed great painting and draftsman skills, shortly after arriving he got a job in a women's fashion shop and then eventually as a lithographer in a printing shop (owned by Pierre Plancher, who was his compatriot).

When Florence met Joaquim Correa De Mello, who was a scientist, the two became great friends whilst they also shared similar interests in science. Dr. de Mello started to assist Florence as he began to experiment with several types of printing methods. As his experiments continued, he began to notice that certain types of dyes were very sensitive to light. By use of the sunlight, Florence was able to darken the silver nitrate (which he received from Dr. de Mello) in order to produce images. It was at this time that the term: "Photographie" (painting with light) was coined.

Antoine Florence

 References:

Historic Camera, 2012, "Hercules Florence".[online]
Available at: http://www.historiccamera.com/cgi-bin/librarium2/pm.cgi?action=app_display&app=datasheet&app_id=2180&
[Accessed - 25th October, 2013]

Wikipedia.org [online] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%A9rcules_Florence
[Accessed - 25th October, 2013]