Introduction (00:30)

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Prepare to learn the language of photography.

Basic Language of Photography (02:00)

Elements such as lighting and composition are built into a photograph to evoke emotions on the part of the viewer. Visual literacy is knowing how to create pictures and also how to interpret them.

Elements of a Scene (02:48)

The elements of a scene are: line, shapes, forms, patterns, and textures. By combining these images, the photograph conveys a message to the brain.

Five Basic Shapes (01:52)

The five basic shapes are triangle, square, rectangle, circle, and irregular. Patterns create a feeling of unity or harmony. Texture describes the dimensions of a surface. Composition is the integration of all of the elements of a scene.

Composition in Photography (03:15)

Composition should be both noticed and examined in a photograph. Volume duality is the interplay of positive and negative volume. Balance and symmetry are used to convey a variety of feelings.

Frame, Perspective, and Depth (04:52)

The frame is defined by its edges; what is beyond is left to the viewer's imagination. Perspective and depth allow a three dimensional world to translate a two dimensional medium. Different lenses, such as wide-angle or telephoto, give depth and perspective to a photograph.

Using Shadows and Placement (02:57)

Shadows enhance the three dimensional nature of items. Placement of objects can give a feeling of depth or power.

Depth of Field (03:51)

Depth of field is the distance range within which objects in a picture appear sharp. Depth of field depends on the lens opening, the distance of the subject, and the focal length of the lens.

Becoming Visually Literate (01:26)

To become visually literate, one must know how a picture is created. Knowledge of these elements enable us to make judgements about a picture.