Shape
Shapes are defined by contrast of differing light or color areas. Shapes exist in nature and we see these high contrast areas defined as lines. We see shapes visually and as they are emphasized by lines, they can have very complex effects in composition. They can be somewhat difficult to work with as they are often somewhat expected.
Shapes can be geometrical and/or abstract. Abstract shapes can often have phycological associations with the viewer on various levels of depth. At their most obvious they tend to be object identification. A silhouette of a chair can be identified as a chair because its an object just about everyone can identify. Same with any other subject or shape of familiarity. Shapes that are abstracted either by blur, shadow, distance or scale begin to have a more dramatic effect as they might hit the viewer on a more subconscious level. In other words they might not be the first thing the viewer sees or recognizes on first glance. This can often create interest and a stronger visual impact.
For photographers, the use of shape in composition is often overlooked. Because photography doesn't have the same hand skill requirement that drawing and painting have, photographers don't have to learn to create the shapes. But as we covered in the line lesson, the techniques that photographers use to communicate shape is indeed a skill.
Shapes can be geometrical and/or abstract. Abstract shapes can often have phycological associations with the viewer on various levels of depth. At their most obvious they tend to be object identification. A silhouette of a chair can be identified as a chair because its an object just about everyone can identify. Same with any other subject or shape of familiarity. Shapes that are abstracted either by blur, shadow, distance or scale begin to have a more dramatic effect as they might hit the viewer on a more subconscious level. In other words they might not be the first thing the viewer sees or recognizes on first glance. This can often create interest and a stronger visual impact.
For photographers, the use of shape in composition is often overlooked. Because photography doesn't have the same hand skill requirement that drawing and painting have, photographers don't have to learn to create the shapes. But as we covered in the line lesson, the techniques that photographers use to communicate shape is indeed a skill.