What are the basic elements of visual literacy; the grammar and syntax of visual media?

To help learners become visually literate, it is a good idea to set design learning activities that help them gain a practical understanding of visual grammar and syntax, and identify these elements and the part they play in visual media.

• line, direction, shape, geometry
• motion, rhythm, flow, animation, speed
• arrangement, framing, juxtaposition of images, composition
• foreground, background emphasis ,
• perspective, linear, atmospheric, 1.2 3.4 point perspective, 360 degree views
• light, shadow colour. contrast. illumination. tone. boldness
• manipulation, cropping, editing, remixing
• abstraction, simplification, harmony
• representation, labels, captions, metaphor, parody
• symbolism, resemblance visual/text relationship

The following references are part of the evidence base for this resource.

Bamford. A,. The Visual Literacy White Paper, Adobe; 2003. http://wwwimages.adobe.com/content/dam/Adobe/en/education/pdfs/visual-literacy-wp.pdf

George Lucas; Teaching Visual Literacy and Communications (video) http://youtu.be/GwDXlA_6usI