Forms in Nature

Form is an object as it exists in three dimensions, which includes both volume and shape, it is one of the six classic design elements. An image with form makes a viewer feel that she can reach into the image and touch it rather than just view the shape which is only two dimensional. Form is created by the way light interacts with the object creating shadows and contours. The type of light that brings out the form of an object is the early morning & evening lights which are softer and warmer than mid-day lights. You also need side lighting to expose the objects’ contour which will create form. By changing the angle of your camera you can change the way the light falls on the object to create form. You can also highlight form through your subjects relationship with other objects, e.g. by having one object in the foreground in focus and everything in the background out of focus will create depth and depth enhances form. Now you have a brief idea of how to create form in your images you need to select objects from nature. These need to be simple images that you can use light to enhance the contours and shadows to give them form. Softer light will usually produce better results.