Introduction to Photography Vocabulary

Front

What are the main elements that bring order in a photograph’s composition?

Back

Line, color, shape, contrast, emphasis, texture, and space.

Front

What is the purpose of line in photography?

Back

To move your eye around the image, lead your eye to the focal point, create texture, pattern, and emphasis.

Front

How is color used in photography?

Back

To create emphasis, variety, and interest.

Front

What role does shape play in photography?

Back

To create pattern, repetition, unity, and variety.

Front

What is contrast in photography?

Back

The arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark colors, rough vs. smooth textures, large vs. small shapes) to create visual interest, excitement, and drama.

Front

What is emphasis in photography?

Back

Used to help bring your eye to the focal point through positioning, focus, depth of field, and framing.

Front

How does texture contribute to photography?

Back

Helps different subjects stand out, creates unity and variety, and adds interest.

Front

What are the elements of art?

Back

The building blocks of a work of art: color, form, line, shape, space, texture, and value.

Front

What do the principles of design describe?

Back

The ways that artists use the elements of art in a work of art.

Front

What is composition in visual arts?

Back

The placement or arrangement of visual elements in a work of art.