Shapes are the result of closed lines. However shapes can be visible without lines when an artist establishes a colour area or an arrangement of objects within the camera's viewfinder. Some primary shapes include circles, squares, triangles and hexagons all of which appear in nature in some form or another.Space is defined and determined by shapes and forms. Positive space is where shapes and forms exist; negative space is the empty space around shapes and forms. For images to have a sense of balance positive and negative space can be used to counter balance each other.The way subjects connect to each other in a photo forms shapes that draw the eye from subject to subject. If the photo composition lacks shape, then the photo becomes too busy and awkward to appreciate. Some shapes are more effective than others in providing an interesting frame for your photo. For example, squares and circles tend to be too symmetrical and leave too much empty space or negative space, around the subjects. The shapes that work best for composition are triangles and diamonds.Triangles can be formed a few different ways:If your subject is already triangular or diamond-shaped (like a pyramid), the viewer’s eye will automatically focus on that shape.




Shapes are two-dimensional and while triangular shapes represent magic, creativity, strength, and endurance, squared and rectangular ones indicate integrity, community, stability, and structure.  In the natural world, squares and rectangles are not often present and mostly can be observed in the manmade world.  Triangles appear in nature as mountain peaks, evergreen trees, or sometimes in tiny mushrooms.

Circles composed of a single, unbroken line represent wholeness and convey a protecting, surrounding character.  Circles are seen quite often in nature.  By their enormous size, the planets, the sun, and the moon are the most powerful circular shapes in nature, but many smaller circles can be found in dewdrops, berries, and flower blossoms.



Silhouettes are a great way of highlighting your shape in your photograph. In this image I tried to portray me and my girls unity and us embracing the beautiful sunset, I think capturing this image as a silhouetted strengthened our shape as being the main focus  




Form is the three-dimensional counterpart to shape. Shape is to form as a square is to a cube. In the three-dimensional world, the basic geometric forms are cube, sphere, pyramid, cylinder and cones.
Form is shape with dimension or volume. To change a shape to a form, dimension must be created by the adding one or color within the shape.

As I discussed earlier in this post, shapes can create form. Lighting and volume helps create mass in imagery too.


Edward Weston-Attic
The image on the left is by an artist name Edward Weston. The majority of his images involved a high emphasis on shape and form. 
This image for emaple, the background could be completely flat for all we know but thanks to lines and shapes and and volume is created by using tone...we will discuss tone later in this blog.
Shape is everywhere, I went out into the wild (st helens) to find images that had a strong emphasis on shape and form:

Lines are one of the most important visual design element. If used properly, they can create different feelings and moods in photographs. Lines can help you guide the viewers eye to the main subject (leading lines) and also creating depth (converging)
Lines can create movement and shape and create femininity (curvilinear) zig zag lines can create tension.
Horizontal lines create a sense of calm while vertical lines represent power and strength.

Learning about this important element will help me as a photographer to create the mood and affect I want on the viewer. If I wanted to create a calm tranquil image then a sunset is a perfect example, if you wanted to strength and power, taking a shot looking up at a building would be more affective than a head on shot out of the window in an adjacent building.

Below are some example of mine and others work using lines as an important key factor in the image.

	A perfect example of curved lines, silhouette of mum to be. Curves are said to be graceful as the easy movement slows the viewers eye

The elements are parts which can be isolated and defined in any visual design or work of art. They are the structure of the work, and can carry a wide variety of messages.

• Line
• Shape
• Form
• Texture
• Pattern
• Tone/Value

Think of these elements as tools, they can help make an amazing photograph/image.

What makes a good photograph? Combining the above elements can create depth and feeling to a seemingly flat picture. I will explain, in detail how each element can effect an image if added in the correct way.