Photography Composition Using

Elements & Principles Of Design

By: Luis Concepcion

Line
Definition- An element of art defined by a point moving in space. Line. may be two-or threedimensional, descriptive, implied, or abstract. Shape An element of art that is two-dimensional, flat, or
limited to height and width.

Shape/Form
Definition Design Elements - Shape. A shape is defined as an area that stands out from the space next
to or around it due to a defined or implied boundary, or because of differences of value, color, or texture.
A shape is formed when a line encloses an area.

Space
Definition It refers to the area that a shape or form occupies. Space can be defined as positive or
negative. Positive space is the filled space, the object(s) or element(s) in the design. Negative space is
the empty space, or the open space between design elements or objects, such as a background.

Value
Definition Value is the relative degree of lightness and darkness in a design element. Line, color,
texture, and shape all need value contrast in order to be seen. Value is used to describe objects, shapes,
and space.

Textures
Definition Space, or depth, is the eponymous property of our 3-dimensional world. It refers to the area
that a shape or form occupies. Space can be defined as positive or negative. Positive space is the filled
space, the object(s) or element(s) in the design.

Color
Definition Color is the element of art that is produced when light, striking an object, is reflected back to
the eye. There are three properties to color. The first is hue, which simply means the name we give to a
color (red, yellow, blue, green, etc.). The second property is intensity, which refers to the vividness of the
color.

Emphasis
Emphasis is defined as an area or object within the artwork that draws attention
and becomes a focal point. Subordination is defined as minimizing or toning down
other compositional elements in order to bring attention to the focal point.

Balance
The principles of design describe the ways that artists use the elements of art in a
work of art. Balance is the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture,
and space. If the design was a scale, these elements should be balanced to make a
design feel stable.

Unity
Unity is the relationship among the elements of a visual that helps all the
elements function together. Unity gives a sense of oneness to a visual image. In
other words, the words and the images work together to create meaning.

Contrast
Definition refers to the arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark colors,
rough vs. smooth textures, large vs. small shapes, etc.) in a piece so as to create
visual interest, excitement and drama.

Movement
Design Principles - Movement. Motion or movement in a visual image occurs when objects seem to be
moving in a visual image. Movement in a visual image comes from the kinds of shapes, forms, lines, and
curves that are used. Diagonal lines tend to create the illusion of movement or motion.

Patterns
Repeating visual elements such as line, color, shape, texture, value or image tends to unify the total effect
of a work of art as well as create rhythm. Repetition can take the form of an exact duplication (pattern), a
near duplication, or duplication with variety.

Rhythm
Rhythm is the repetition or alternation of elements, often with defined intervals
between them. Rhythm can create a sense of movement, and can establish
pattern and texture. There are many.