Formalism is the visual aspects of a piece of work, and how it is formed rather then the meaning or connections it makes in the world.

The visual and formal elements consist of  line, shape, repetition, rhythm, balance, light, space etc. Formalist photography focuses on how the photo is structured; are the lines all travelling in the same direction? Are the shadows deeply contrasted or blended? What shape does the image have (3D/2D)?

Some examples of formalist photos:

Lines and light

In all these photos there is a sense of the lines leading you in a certain direction (the leading lines direct your eyes naturally around the image). It could be sharp lines, like the first image, soft curved lines, like the second, or rounded lines, like the last. The shadows surrounding the lines can also tell you about the light. Whether it’s natural or studio lighting. If it’s natural, the placement of the shadow can give an idea of the time of day.

Repetition

There is also repetition of lines in these photos. Repetition is usually hidden, or shown clearly in some formalistic images. In the last image, the steps create a dramatic rhythm in the photo, going downwards. The repetition of shadows slowly gets smaller too, and gives the impression of something disappearing.

Texture

These photos hold great texture, as there are multiple patterns, curves and shapes within the objects that are being photographed. The first image’s texture is very geometric, and it looks like the texture would feel hard, and cold. However the texture in the second photo has a softer feel to it as the texture is less harsh and is bumpy.

I analysed an image to show the formalist elements in a famous image by Andre Kertesz of a street photo in Paris.