Definition: The Design, Composition and Lighting are dominant over Subject Matter. The photographer becomes a visual designer whenever a frame is captured.
The main components of formalism are:
Line: lines shown in photos, the directions/angels they go and how that effects the photograph
this imagine by Philipp Klinger is a great example of how intentional lines can effect the atmosphere of an image and demonstrates when lines are the leading formal element if an image.
Shape: acknowledging shape in an image is acknowledging and analysing the at first obvious features of an image.
this image by CRISTIANOGERARDI shows how shape can be used in creative ways to make an image more impactful and interesting.
Form:Form refers to when shape takes on three dimensions. Form is created by shadows and highlights on an object in the photograph.
this image by Juergen Roth shows how good understanding of how to capture lights and darks in a photograph will effect your ability to compose a convincing and interesting photograph.
Texture :the visual quality of the surface of an object, revealed through variances in shape, tone and colour depth.
Texture brings am image to life and add vibrancy to an image
Colour : is a very important aspect of an image in all cases but when it is the main focal point of an image it creates a very interesting a recognisable effect
as demonstrated in tis image by Sarah Polger
Depth how much of your image is in focus. In more technical terms, depth of field is the distance in an image where objects appear “acceptably in focus” or have a level of “acceptable sharpness.”2
symmetry when two halves of an image hold the same weight and give a perfect balance between two sides of your photograph.