The Form

Even if the form has only two dimensions, with the proper application of lighting and tonal range, you can provide a three dimensional quality to the object. Lighting can support the form, it may show even more completeness of the shape, for example, continuous light and shadows provide the fullness of form, its integrity, they practically round the shape as it stands out as a whole and separates from the background.^*1 But also, the lighting can destroy the form, creating dark shadows that can cause many forms merge into one crating a new form.^*2 The form may become more dominant by being placed against the plain contrasting backgrounds. The greatest emphasis on form is obtained when the form stands out by eliminating the other qualities of form, such as its texture and roundness, or the illusion of three dimensions.^*3 Forms without color, texture and details can be very interesting. The silhouettes are very powerful and aesthetic. Silhouettes of an unknown object are most interesting and provocative than the known shapes. Shapes silhouetted in front of a building or portraits (arches, corridors, pillars etc…) generate more power. They are communicative, emotional and beautiful. The way objects connect to each other in a photo creates forms that attract the eye of a subject to another subject. If the composition of the photo lacks form, then the picture is too much occupied and difficult to understand.

Some forms are more effective than others. For example, squares and circles tend to be too symmetrical and leave too much empty space around the subjects. Forms that work best for composition are triangles and diamonds. Triangles can be formed in several different ways: if the subject is already triangular, the viewer’s eye will automatically focus on that form.^*5 Different focus points can be one of the three points that form the triangle. As long as there is no other object in this frame, the eye can easily follow and read by its order information from the picture. Furthermore, a diagonal line can divide the picture into two, creating two contrasting triangular sides. This highlights the difference between the two parties. For example, that is when a fence is bisecting the frame on the diagonal – here, I placed the example of and image consisting diagonal triangle, and few more with various shapes, textures and tone and directions.^*6 In photographic composition, triangles are the most useful forms for several reasons. They are common because they are simple to construct or to imply. It is important to see implied triangles as one of the few ways to bring order to an image, they do not appear directly, but they create an invisible path guiding the observer while watching the picture. Due to perspective and its graphic effects of the convergence triangles simply occur often in images and wide angles emphasize them. Triangles are also the most basic of all geometric shapes, with the least number of sides (they need only three points, and these should not be at any particular arrangement). Unlike triangles and lines, circles are not so easy to notice because they need to be almost complete to be recognizable. However, they often occur in nature and they are valuable in image composition due to its relaxing and pleasant effect.^*7 Rectangles are rare in nature but often appear in artificial structures, and they are useful to subdivide frame.^*8 

Negative space

In two-dimensional composition objects are positive forms, while the background is negative space. Negative space is the area which surrounds the main object in photo (the main object or “positive space“). The negative space is not just an empty space, it is equally important as the space occupied by subject because, it provides balance in a photograph and also occupies a place for eyes to relax, a neutral or contrasting background drawing attention to the main subject, which then is referred to as the positive space. A cluttered background tends to diminish the importance of the subject, while a plain background draws attention to it. The effective placement of objects in relation to the negative space around, is essential for success in the composition. Negative space can give photograph an entirely different atmosphere than the other photograph of the same subject. The absence of content does not mean the absence of interest. In fact, negative space often adds interest as it can place a stronger emphasis on the subject and it can evoke emotions effectively.^*9 Elements of an image that distract from the intended subject, or objects in the same focal plane, are not considered negative space. Negative space may be used to depict a subject in a chosen medium by showing everything around the subject, but not the subject itself. Use of negative space will produce a silhouette of the subject, losing its textures and details. In this case, negative space produces a silhouette, as the center of interest and an examples of this for instance, are all objects in the counter-light.^*3*10

Shapes are usually identified with its precise contours and sometimes with texture detail. Outlined form can be an attraction to the eye and you can structure your entire image around it. Also, the line may divide form, create independent elements within the form, or create entirely new forms.^*3 A shape may be consisted of an object, or more elements seen together in a way that constitutes a combined form, shapes echoing another. This visual mirroring is created when forms flow into each other, continue its  direction, or even when contrasting.^*11
Form also gains strength and contrast with the emphasis of its surroundings – the difference in tone or background color and lighting. The repeating shapes adds an extra effect to the image by providing a pattern. This repetition of forms in certain interval and rule, seems as an object. Facades of houses are most common pattern around us.^*10