Photography art elements and principles

line

Element- Guides the viewers eye through the image

e.g. roads, fences, shadows

colour

element - Adds mood, emotion, and contrast

e.g. warm reds feel energetic and cool blues feel calm

shape

element- A flat, 2D area with clear edges

e.g. circles, squares, triangles

form

element- makes an object look three-dimensional by showing height, width, and depth, often using light and shadow.

e.g. a shaded sphere in a photograph looks solid and realistic instead of flat

texture

element- the surface quality of something in a photo

e.g. rough bark, soft fur, smooth glass

light

element - the brightness in a photo that helps you see shapes, details, and mood

tone

element- the lightness or darkness in an image

e.g. bright highlights and dark shadows

Emphasis (focal point)

Principle - The main part of the photo that attracts attention first

Balance

Principle - The visual weight in a photo feels even and stable

movement

principle- leads the viewers eye through the image or shows action

Contrast

principle- differences between light and dark, colours, or textures that make parts stand out

Space

principle- the area around or between subjects in a photo

unity

principle- all parts of the photo work well together and look connected

scale

principle- the size of one object compared to another

proportion

principle- the correct size relationship between part of an image.

repetition (pattern)

Principle- repeating shapes, colours, or objects that create interest and rythym