Key elements- Discussion

Key Elements Discussion

Each key element plays a different role in a photo and when used together a strong photo is created.

Colour
In photography colour helps portray a sense of mood towards the viewer. Colours are primarily important for conveying emotion as each colour is associated with different emotions; for example, red is often associated with romance. They allow the viewers to 'come in touch' with the image in their own way; they allow a story to be told by the sense of mood and emotion created. Colours can also be used to create a sense of age, for example black and white photographs are often associated with old, where as bright colours like reds and yellows are associated with children. These images below portray colour in different ways by showing bold and bright colours.

Line
Within a photograph, lines can be used to create a sense of length and width  by using either vertical or horizontal lines. Different  angles of lines can portray different ideas, for example diagonal lines often attract the viewer but can also create a sense of motion. Lines may also be used to create a focus point of the image, like a pathway centred in an image will be a focus point but can also convey direction. I feel that the few photos below show lines in different ways.

Pattern
There are many different types of pattern- arranged, random and natural to name a few- but they can show imagination and design depending on the pattern. Some patterns may create visual harmony for the viewer as pattern is made up of lines, colour and shape. Depending on how the pattern is captured, it may create an illusion of infinite repetitions. Patterns may create a sense of order, for example a chess board has order to it as it has an organised design of colours and shape. These pictures below show pattern in different ways, some of the patterns below are manmade whilst others are natural occurrences.

Texture
Texture is used to emphasise simple features within an image that can create a sense of realism for the viewer. Different textures can convey different moods and emotions through association. Depending on the texture, a sense of movement may be created or a sense of depth. For example, if a pattern has deep ridges, it may create or be associated with depth.

Form
In photography, form is used to create the sense of an object being 3D despite being in a 2D format. Form creates a sense of realism because it shows how an object has captured or repelled light. Form can create shadow, shadows can be seen as distortions- a shadow of a person is often lengthened. 

Shape
Different shapes are associated with different things. A sense of order and normality can be created by the use of squares and circles. In addition, motion can be created by using curved and distored shapes. Again, shapes can be used to create a sense of emotion or mood, like a curved shape can create a sense of calm and journey.