The formal elements – line, shape, space, colour, pattern and texture – are necessary for creating visually captivating images. Each one of these elements plays a particular role in photography to intrigue the viewer and make them fascinated with the image. This could be from any of the categories below:

Line

Line in photography is often used to guide the viewers eye throughout the image. There are various lines that could be shown in an image, for example, there are leading lines and curved lines to create structure and balance within an image. They also enhance depth to make some images have the 3D feel to them. Finally, they also frame certain parts of the image to highlight the main subject focused in the image.

Shape

The use of unique shapes in photography helps to define subjects and can lead to interesting compositions within the image. Shape can help to define an image portrayed by using lines and boundaries to outline them. Shape also has the possibility to contrast the shape from the surrounding image, making the viewer intrigued.

Space

There are two main types of space used in photography; positive and negative space. These types of space can impact the viewers focal point of the image. In negative space, the space around the object can cause the viewer to look more towards the void which also highlights the importance of the subject being shown.

Colour

Colour influences the viewer’s emotions from which selection they use. The colour theory is useful to determine which colours would work best in an image, and which would instead give bad contrasting colours. By choosing a good selection, this can enhance the visual appeal towards the image.

Pattern

Pattern is a significant and important element that can enhance visual interest in the image. The use of pattern can produce an overall satisfying look, especially if the pattern is repeated many times throughout the image. This element forces your eyes to scan the image as a whole, and see it all together unlike the other formal elements.

Texture

Lastly, texture is used to emphasise the quality of the surfaces, making the image feel more tactile and versatile to other textures. Images of texture add more depth and detail, to engage the viewers and allows them to quickly analyse every aspect of the texture being presented. It also creates a contrasted look, as it draws attention to various areas.