Rules of Composition for Photography

An art element with three properties: hue, value, and intensity. Also, the character of surfaces created by the response of vision to wavelengths of reflected light.

• texture

• color

• space

• form

The area between, around, above, below, or contained within objects. Can be positive or negative.

• space

• framing

• composition

• depth of field

A three-dimensional object or the illusion of three dimensions. Examples include sphere, pyramid, cube, box.

• shape

• form

• texture

• proportion

A way of dividing up the frame into nine rectangles that are guidelines to creating a balanced composition. It resembles a tic tack toe grid.

• depth of field

• rule of thirds

• framing

• fill the frame

The building blocks artists use to achieve the goal of good design; they are the ingredients of the recipe for the composition: line, shape, form, space, color, value and texture

• Elements of Photography

• Composition

• Rule of thirds

• proportion

An enclosed line; 2dimensional. Examples include circle, triangle, square, natural, and free-form.

• pattern

• texture

• shape

• form

A condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions. There are three types: symmetry, asymmetry, and radial.

• proportion

• focal point

• balance

• point of view

Part of a work depicted furthest from the viewer's space, often behind the main subject matter. It may be blurred or softened, but should have no distractions.

• Foreground

• Mid Ground

• Background

• Focal Point

The element of art that refers to how things feel, or look as if they might feel if touched.

• proportion

• pattern

• texture

• form

The relationship of one thing to another in size, amount, etc

• point of view

• proportion

• composition

• rule of thirds