Elements of Art
This element is the path of a moving point; it can lead the viewer’s eye through a photograph.
Line
The part of the image that grabs your attention first; also called the focal point
emphasis
Shooting with the camera level with the subject’s eyes
Eye Level
Turning on this camera setting adds lines that help you use the rule of thirds
Grid
Setting the mode dial to “M” puts the camera in this mode, where you control everything
Manual Mode
This element is a flat, two-dimensional area like a circle, square, or triangle?
shape
A strong difference between light and dark, or between colors, creates this principle
Contrast
Shooting from below and looking up, making the subject look powerful.
Low Angle
This mode blurs the background behind a person to make them stand out
Portrait mode
This setting controls how sensitive the sensor is to light; raising it adds grain
ISO
This element describes how something feels, or looks like it would feel, such as rough tree bark or smooth glass.
Texture
When an element repeats over and over, like rows of lockers, it creates this.
Pattern
A shot that tightly fills the frame with the subject’s face
Close up
Before shooting, you should do this to your phone’s lens to avoid blurry, hazy photos.
Wipe the lens
Setting the mode dial to “S” lets you choose this setting while the camera picks the aperture
Shutter speed
This element is the lightness or darkness of a tone, from white to black.
value
When all parts of an image work together and feel complete
Unity
A shot framed from behind one person’s shoulder, looking at someone else.
Over the shoulder Angle
Holding down the shutter (or swiping) to take many photos quickly, great for action.
Burst mode
This focus mode keeps adjusting focus and is best for moving subjects, like sports
What is AF-C (continuous autofocus)
This element is three-dimensional and has height, width, and depth, like a sphere or cube.
Form
The way a photo guides the viewer’s eye from one area to another.
Movement
Tilting the camera so the horizon is crooked to create tension or unease
Dutch Angle
Sliding the sun icon up or down after tapping changes this
exposure
This menu option erases everything on the memory card and prepares it for use, so always back up first
Format