Using Lines and Shapes in Photography
Composing a good photograph isn’t just done by framing your subjects inside the viewfinder. It is a process similar to painting in which you try to convey a message or strike an emotion. A strong composition is the product of a thoughtful study of the environment around you, its lines, shapes, and the patterns they form.
Understanding the effect lines can have on a photo will allow you to turn an ordinary composition into something extraordinary. They can grab the attention of the eye into a certain direction, they can add depth to the photo, and they can form interesting patterns.
Lines can be found all around us. The horizon, beaches and fallen trees, all can add interesting horizontal lines to your photos which can add a sense of stability to the picture. To have the maximum impact, try not to cut your image into halves by placing the horizon on the center, and make all horizontal lines as horizontal as possible. Remember that this type of lines is usually more convenient to horizontal photos .
If you look around, you’ll probably notice that vertical lines are even more abundant. Think of buildings, upright trees and light posts, they usually reflect growth and strength and when used correctly, they can provide interesting patterns especially when the photograph contains other elements. As with horizontal lines, the vertical lines should be perpendicular with the edges of the photograph because an inclined vertical line may harm your photo significantly. These lines look best in portrait orientation.
Diagonal lines are even more usable than the previous two types. Just look ahead of you along road or railway lines and you will sense a feeling of depth while your eyes will be set to their point of convergence of the diagonal lines. They also give a feeling of dynamic action. It is usually better to have the diagonal lines away from the photo’s diagonals so as to make it more interesting.
The perspective usually control how the lines exist inside the photo. By utilizing a different angle, a pair of parallel lines can easily become converging lines and lead the eyes into the photograph. Combining this with placing a subject at the convergence point will make an excellent composition.
Unlike lines, shapes are used to transmit the meaning of a photograph to the observer. The shape is the first thing that identifies an object and it is usually considered as its 2D outlines. Contrasting an object with a different background is usually the best way to put emphasis on its shape . Thus, the edges of your object will be clear, and consequently, its shape will be very well defined.
Objects may look the same from some angles and that may result ambiguity. To avoid this, choose an angle that will portray your object in a unique way.
Lines and shapes are abundant around us; we just have to remember how to utilize them efficiently.
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