The form level

The ‘form’ eye describes classical photographic techniques, how content is conveyed by means of graphic forms and elements (points, lines, curves, surfaces, patterns, colours etc.). These elements are the letters and words of the language of photography. The design (or composition) of these elements on the image represents the text of the photographic language that is understood universally and worldwide.

This field is discussed extensively in all significant photographic instruction manuals (e.g. in the classics by Andreas Feininger and Harald Mante, as well as in new works by Michael Freeman, Martin Zurmühle and others). The applicable rules are very clear and comprehensible, can be grasped logically and are based on hard facts. The ‘form’ eye therefore corresponds to the factual level of the communication square.