Elements of Art and Principles of Design in Photography

Lines: marks made by a pointed tool: brush, pencil, pen, etc. Lines can vary in width, direction, curvature, length, or color. 

I think this photo represents lines because the poles are lines that dominate the photo.

Lines are really shown well in this photo.

Shapes: formed wherever the ends of a continuous line meet. Geometric shapes such as circles, triangles or squares have perfect, uniform measurements and don't often appear in nature. Organic shapes are associated with things from the natural world, like plants and animals.

This photo represents shapes because there are many little shapes that go into making a bigger picture.

Three-dimensional shapes are well shown and are the subject or the photo.

Color: wheels show the primary colors, secondary colors, and the tertiary (intermediate) colors. They also show the relationships between complementary colors across from each other and analogous (similar or related).

This photo represents color because the main subject of the photo is a very bold vibrant color compared to the background. 

Both of the colors are really different and represent color very well.

Value:  or tone, refers to dark and light; the value scale refers to black and white with all gradations of gray in between.  Value contrasts help us to see and understand a two-dimensional work of art.

I think think this one helps us represent the meaning of value perfectly. The different shades of gray help to make the picture look three-dimensional.

I really love this one and its a good example of value because it is all done in pencil but it shows different dimensions. 

Form: describes objects that are three-dimensional, having length, width, and height.

This photo shows form because it shows a three-dimensional figure that has length, width, and height.

This is a grab example because there is a shape but it is also shows length and width.

Texture: can be rough, bumpy, slick, scratchy, smooth, silky, soft, prickly--the list is endless.  Texture refers to the surface quality, both simulated and actual, of artwork.

The lines in this photo help to create a visual of texture in the grass. 

In this photo you can really see the texture of the fruit which makes it a great example!

Space: refers to distances or areas around, between, or within components of a piece. Space can be positive (white or light) or  negative (black or dark), open or closed,shallow or deep, and two-dimensional or three-dimensional. 

This photo represents space because the artist used positive and negative components to make it look life-like.

The colors and the way the glasses are arranged really show value well. 

Balance: the comfortable or pleasing arrangement of things in art.  There are three different types of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial. 

This photo shows balance because there are two equal subjects in the photo. 

 The trees on both sides balance the photo so it draws your eyes to the subject of the photo, the mountain. 

Contrast: created by using elements that conflict with one another.

This photo shows contrast because there is a clear difference in the two subjects such as color and size.

The background of the photo against the color of the trees shows really great contrast.

Emphasis: the focal area of an artwork gives it importance.

The background of this photo compared to the colors of the woman makes it have a clear focal area.

The background of the photo is very plain compared to the two subjects which adds great emphasis! 

Movement: in an artwork means the artist is taking viewers on a trip through the work by means of lines, edges, shapes, and colors often leading to the focal area.  Movement is a visual flow through the composition. It can be the suggestion of motion in a design as you move from object to object by way of placement and position.  Directional movement can be created with a value pattern. It is with the placement of dark and light areas that you can move your attention through the format.

Movement is represented in this photo because your eyes are drawn to the first subject, then the second, then the third. The photo really flows well. 

Your eye is drawn to the girl jumping into the water which shows movement very well. 

Pattern: made in art when the same shapes or elements are repeated again and again.  Pattern uses the elements of art in planned or random repetitions to enhance surfaces of paintings or sculptures.

The pattern in this photo is pretty obviously shown, the cans of soup are being repeated over and over. 

The signs are being repeated over and over which is an obvious pattern. 

Rhythm: the repetition of shapes, lines, and forms.  Rhythm is a movement in which some elements recurs regularly.  Like a dance, it will have a flow of objects that will seem to be like the beat of music.

Rhythm is represented in this photo because the subjects are constantly repeated, but not in the exact same way. There is a theme in this photo. 

The rhythm is represented in this photo by the palm trees reoccurring.

Unity: all elements in an artwork are in harmony.  Unity brings together a composition with similar units.

All the elements i described above are represented in this photo. Repetition, Rhythm, Color, Contrast, and Movement are shown really well. 

I chose this photo for unity because elements like balance are shown in the way the buildings are surrounding both sides. Pattern and Rhythm is shown by the people walking. The color creates a gloomy feel. This photo overall has a very wide variety of elements.