THE ELEMENTS OF THE VISUAL LANGUAGE

The point

• In photography, the point is a relative concept because it refers to a point of contrast.

• The higher the density of the points, the more contrast there is in that area of the image.

• Our eyes are more attracted to areas with higher contrast.

• Digital photos are made of millions of pixels.

• The point is the basic building block of all images to some extent.

The line

• The line is essentially a string of points that our brain connects and leads the eye to follow.

• Lines can be straight or curved.

• Horizontal lines create a feeling of stability and a lack of movement.

• Diagonal lines create a feeling of dynamism and movement.

• Lines help the eye distinguish between one object and another.

• Differences in contrast around objects create the appearance of lines.

Shape and form

• Shapes are the objects or elements with “visual weight” that must be organized to create a well composed photo.

• They are flat, meaning they are considered two dimensional.

• Shapes appear to have form (or volume) when they have different values (lights and shadows) and color.

• Poorly composed photos do not usually have the simplicity necessary for us to perceive all of the underlying shapes.

• In reality all images are composed of shapes.

Space

• Space refers to the feeling of depth or perspective in an image as well as to the “empty” areas around an object in an image.

• In regards to photography, the feeling of space is naturally apparent in a photo.

• The effect does not normally need to be created like in painting.

• It can, however, be exaggerated or played down.

Value (ligth)

• Value is the relative light or darkness of an object or area of an image in relation to the other objects or areas.

• Strong contrast in value can create emphasis.

• (See the class presentation about light for more information on value).

Color

• Color is an additional kind of contrast that can be added to an image.

• Different combinations of colors create different responses in us.

• (See the class presentation on color theory for more information).

Texture

• Texture is the feeling we get when we imagine touching an image.

• In photography, the sensation of texture that is transmitted to the viewer depends principally on the use of light, as well as, to a lesser degree, color and space.