The 7 Elements of Art (or 7C) are the basic principles that underpin all creative arts, including photography. They provide a framework for understanding and using art in general and photography in particular.
In this question we will explore each of the 7 elements in turn.
Table of Contents
The 7 Elements of Art
The 7 Elements of Art are:
- Context
- Conceptualization
- Composition
- Creativity
- Imagination
- Intuition
- Objectivity
When you use one of the following images in your answer, then you need to consider how each element applies to that picture.
The Context of an image
- Where did the photographer find the inspiration for the photograph? For example, did they go to a specific location, or did they find it while exploring somewhere new? Was it created from something they saw in the real world, such as a building, or were the elements of the picture created from ideas and imagination?
- How much do you know about the history of this location?
- What is your personal connection to the location?
- Does the image inspire you in some way?
- If you had to name the artist who made the picture, who would you name?
The Conceptualization of an image
- What is the Conceptualization?
- How do you interpret the meaning of this picture?
- Why does this image resonate with you in some way?
- What do you think the photographer was trying to convey?
- Are there any other meanings hidden within the picture?
- Is it the photographer’s interpretation of the subject?
- What is the relationship between the subject and the photographer?
- What is the context of the subject?
- Is the subject being shown in some way?
- Can you see anything unusual about the subject?
- Is the composition of the picture pleasing to look at?
- How would you describe the picture?
- What do you think the purpose of the picture is?
The Composition of the image
- How would you describe the picture?
- What are the colors in the image?
- Do the colors complement each other?
- Do the colors make a contrast?
- Does the image work together as a whole?
- Are the different areas of the image linked by a common theme?
- Do the lines in the image follow the same pattern as the shapes in the image?
- Is the subject in the picture balanced?
- Does the photographer have any particular point of view?
The Creativity of an image
- What kind of creativity can be seen in this picture?
- Is the photographer being creative in the way they composed the picture?
- Does the photographer have a particular style?
- How do the lines and shapes in the picture communicate?
- Does the picture contain a lot of detail?
- Are there any unique and original features in the picture?
- Does the photographer use unconventional techniques to achieve the final result?
The Imagination of an image
- Has the photographer used their imagination to create this picture?
- What kind of vision do you see in this picture?
- Do you feel inspired by the image?
- Are there any strange things in the picture?
- What is the mood of the picture?
- Can you imagine what the surroundings might have been like?
- Does the photograph tell a story?
- Is the picture realistic or imaginary?
- What is the photographer’s imagination taking them away to?
- Is the photographer showing a new perspective?
- What is the purpose of the picture?
The Intuition of an image
- How did the photographer come to capture the moment?
- Was it planned or a spontaneous decision?
- What is the point of view?
- Are there any unusual things in the picture?
- How was the image created?
The Objectivity of the picture
- What is the subject of the photograph?
- Does the image show what you think it shows?
- How can you tell the object is real?
- What do you notice about the surroundings?
- What is the background of the image?
- Is the image interesting or boring?
- Can you distinguish what the photographer is trying to show in the picture?
- Does the picture look fake?
- Does it look like a staged image?
- Does the photographer have a particular style?
- What is the purpose of the picture?
- How does the picture make you feel?