Finding Shape

What is Shape?

Shape is the outline of an object. Where lines meet, shape forms. Since birth, most of us are fortunate enough to have the visual ability. Even before we could talk or think, we could see. And since the beginning of our visual journey, we have been seeing shapes everywhere around us.

Our First Connection with Shapes

Starting from birth, newborns see faces around them, which leads them to be more attracted to one specific shape — the circle. Faces are even more circular when happy. Angry faces are more pointy or angular, which draws children more to happy faces. Hence, we can say that we have an age-old relationship with shapes, even though we don’t often realize it. No wonder shape is one of the most important elements of photography.

Discovering Shape in Photography

As a visual art enthusiast, when I started learning about the elements of photography, I stumbled across shape. Among the seven elements of photography, this is the one that drew me the most. So, I started finding shapes everywhere. Since I started capturing them, it fascinates me how a single element can compel you to stare at a photograph for hours.

Seeing Shapes in Everyday Life

I started capturing daily objects — utensils, bathroom walls, switchboards, mirrors, neighbour’s windows, plants, vegetables — what not? When I go outside, I try to capture shapes on the street as well. But I feel like, since I know my own environment better, it helps me stay calm, observe more, and experiment. I plan to capture more shapes in my known places, which I have been seeing for years but without really observing.

Shape, Texture, and Contrast

My second love is texture. I often try to play with both and the relationship between them. With texture comes contrast — the contrast between rough or smooth textures, or even between two different shapes and values. I wish to explore more, and this is just the beginning. Identifying elements has brought me the freedom to know what I want in my photograph — what exactly I’m trying to capture and show further.