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USING LINES & SHAPES FOR YOUR PHOTOS

By norman | June 8, 2009

USING LINES AND SHAPES TO CREATE INTERESTING PHOTOS

Photos are about what each individual prefers, but there are a few rules of photo composition that can help build a foundation of an interesting photo that you can use for your photo canvas print. One of the key things to look for when composing a photo is  ‘lines and different shapes’. It is helpful to train yourself to look for lines and shapes. They can be a powerful building block that can have a dynamic impact on your picture. Lines and shapes are useful in adding mood and atmosphere to your finished product or creating a desired effect. They can be useful in leading the eyes from one part to another or leading the eye to a particular part of your image or another part.

Using lines and shapes takes a little practice and it is often helpful to go back through previous images you have taken to see what has worked and what hasn’t worked. Have a look at all the lines and shapes that you can use including horizontal, vertical and diagonal. Using these rules will add to your finished print.

 

Horizontal Lines

Horizontal lines can be dynamic in creating photos that are tranquil. They can have the ability to convey restfulness and stability. An example of this would be a romantic couple laying in long grass. The most common horizontal lines to be found in photographs are normally horizons,  but be careful not to run the horizon directly through the centre of the photograph dividing the equal amounts of the sky and landscapes. This may often have a negative effect and could create a dull image. This is not always case. It is good practice to pick out the more impressive part of your scene, for example sunsets with interesting clouds. It is worth also keep in mind that broken horizons may lead to a dull feeling photograph.

If you want to add rhythm to your photo, look for layers of horizontal lines, for example layers of breaking surf. The rhythm can than become the focus or subject of the photo itself.

Another good idea when using horizontal lines is to try it to try to keep the lines square with the edges of you frame and to also shoot your image in a horizontal format. Adding horizontal lines into your image can really make a difference to how your photo on canvas will feel .

 

Using Vertical Lines

Vertical lines can convey a variety of different moods from grandeur and dignity to power. Objects such as skyscrapers and trees represent horizontal lines. Combined with horizontal lines they can create a strong and powerful picture. . If you really want to emphasize the power of the vertical line, try taking your photos in a vertical plane. With photography this can be considered not always the rule. If you want the lines to appear as if they are moving out of the top of the photo, it then becomes useful to leave your camera in a horizontal format. Take your picture so that the lines move from the bottom to the top of your picture.

 

Diagonal Lines in Your Image

Diagonal lines that are used in your picture are often considered the most interesting. They are representative of movement and speed. They can lead you into the frame of the image and to the point of interest. A good tip is to avoid splitting the frame of your image in two by running diagonal lines from one corner of the picture to the other. This can cause the image to lose it’ s drive. To achieve a more balanced picture within the confines of your frame try to create a diagonal that starts just to one side of the corner and travels to the one side of the opposite corner. Using curved lines within your frame can also be representative of moods such as grace and dignity.

If you really want to add an interest to your finished canvas to photo print look for different ways to incorporate interesting diagonal lines into your image. Keep in mind when you are taking photos that it is worth remembering the different moods and feelings that they can convey.

 

Using Shapes in Your Image

Shapes are basic two dimensional elements in the composition of your photos. You can use different shapes to achieve different feelings within your photo. Shapes can include anything from odd numbers to triangles to create photographic geometry. A shape such as a square or rectangle that mirrors the basic frame of the picture doesn’t have much interesting conflict, so can create a less interesting picture. Make them more creative and use them with diagonals and triangles to create a more interesting picture. Shapes can also be made more interesting by placing them against a contrasting background for example a white yacht sail against a dark and moody sky. A ideal use of shapes are also silhouettes. The use straight lines and circles or curved lines and can have a ability to create tension in your frame.

 

Conclusion 

Shapes and lines can add a very dynamic and interesting element to you photo composition, so next time you have your camera out keep in mind these basic elements. To find out about printing your photo to canvas visit Canvas Prints Online.

 


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