composition – the arrangement of the elements (subject and other objects) in a scene or photograph
contrast – the range of difference between highlights and shadow areas in an image
focus – the clear and sharply defined condition of an image, as in “this image is in focus,” meaning it is sharp and well defined.
camera angle – the position of the camera relative to the position of the subject
close-up – a shot in which the subject takes up a large portion of the frame—focusing on detail and expression
long shot or wide shot - a shot which shows an overall view from a distance
background – the area within the frame that is behind the subject of a photograph
foreground – the area of a scene that is nearest to the viewer--usually the bottom third
line – a long thin continuous mark or stroke
color – a component of light, the sensation of primary and secondary hues, tints, and shades as created by light and pigments, reflecting or absorbing light and being received by the eye
value – the relative lightness or darkness of a color
texture – the way something feels or looks like it would feel
shape – two-dimensional outline of an object, height and width
form - a shape that is three-dimensional, height, width and depth
space – the area or distance between forms or shapes
emphasis – is used to draw attention to particular areas or the focal point of an artwork
balance – an arrangement of opposing parts or elements of an artwork in equilibrium to create harmony – symmetry – like sides and asymmetry – unlike sides
proportion – the size or apparent size of an object as seen in relation to its other parts or to other objects in the environment
movement – the use of lines, colors, values, textures, forms and space to direct the eye of the viewer from one part of the artwork to another
unity – when everything works together in an artwork
variety – provides diversity in a work of art
pattern – something that is repeated throughout a work of art (e.g. shapes, lines)
rhythm –suggests motion by regular use of patterns of recurrent elements
