MOVEMENT - Directing the eye of a viewer in a certain way to create a path through the image or to show some sort of movement, action and/or direction.
SCALE & PROPORTION - The proportion is the relative size and scale of certain elements to one or multiple others as a relationship in a design. There are certain proportions such as the golden ratio and rule of thirds that are more pleasing to the eye in a natural way.
LINE - An element used to guide the eye to a point by using a line from one point to another using objects within the image. It can also affect shape, convey a mood and define space in the image and creates perspective.
FORM - A three-dimensional object in an image that has a defined volume of space. Two dimensional shapes may also give an illusion of form. To construct a more complex form multiple forms can be used together.
BALANCE - Balance is the sense of an equilibrium in the image. It arranges different visual parts in an aesthetically pleasing way using various elements. Formal balance is when both sides are symmetrical and informal balance refers to when both sides are not so symmetrical, however in either case the image is still balanced in a pleasing way. Balance can be horizontal, vertical or radial.
HARMONY - In an image the harmony refers to how all elements in the image work together and complement each other to create a unified visual image. Elements such as rhythm, patterns and shape, harmony can be achieved.
COLOUR - Colour is the visible spectrum of radiation that is reflected from an object. Hue is the name of the colour. Intensity and Saturation is the purity or brightness/dullness of a colour. Value and brightness are the lightness or darkness of a colour.
TEXTURE - The description of how a surface feels to touch or how it appears to feel through the perception of an image.
VARIETY - Differences in objects which can add interest to the visual image. Using opposites or contrast, variety can be achieved. Variety can be found in various forms such as change of size, point of view and angle of an object and adds interest for a viewer. Breaking a pattern can make an image more interesting too.
RHYTHM - Repetition of elements such as colours, shapes, lines, values and textures through visual movement in the image. In order to keep the rhythm exciting using variety in the image is key. Using movement and rhythm together creates a visual harmony or beat.
TYPE - Typography is the arrangement of type/text to show a meaning or draw focus to something.
REPETITION - Repetition is used in the image along with pattern to make it seem dynamic or active. Using repetition can create a unity within the image and emphasise the pattern.
CONTRAST - Refers to a difference between elements such as values, colours, textures and shapes which can be used to create excitement in the image visually and can highlight specific parts of the image for the viewer. Similarity is the opposite to this.
UNITY - The harmony that is presented in the whole composition of an image. Parts of the image work together using elements to create a unity in the image and ensures that the elements look like they should be together in the image.
SPACE - The area or negative space around the subject in an image. This can draw attention to the subject or can be used to convey a theme of isolation or magnitude.
VOLUME - The relative weight perceived in a composition in an image and is assessed in the height, width and depth of elements.
SHAPE - A full shape made up of line and can contrast its surroundings. Can be used in order to frame objects within an image.
EMPHASIS - Using colour, value, shape or other elements, emphasis can be achieved which refers to the dominance and or focus in an image.
VALUE - Contrast and difference between light and dark within an image. Can refer to tones of grey within the image too.
PATTERN - Using elements in a random or planned repetition to convey something or improve aesthetic.
