USING LINES AND SHAPES IN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY
USING LINES & SHAPES IN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY
Photos are about personal tastes, but there are a few rules of photo composition that can help build a foundation of an interesting photo that you can turn into a canvas photo print. One of the key things to look for when creating a photo is 'lines and different shapes’. It is helpful to train yourself to look for lines and shapes. They can be a powerful element that can have a dynamic impact on your picture. It can be helpful to add lines and shapes to add 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 beneficial to go back through previous images you have taken to see what has worked and what hasn't worked. Have a look at horizontal lines, shapes, diagonal lines and vertical lines. Using these rules will add to your finished print.
Using Horizontal Lines
Horizontal lines can be useful in creating photos that are tranquil. They may have the ability to convey stability and restfulness. An example of this can be a foal sleeping in flowers. The most common horizontal lines to be found in photographs are generally 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 adverse effect and possibly create a dull image. Although this is not always considered the case. A great practice to pick out the more impressive part of your scene, for example sunsets with dramatic clouds. It is worth noting that broken horizons may lead to a dull feeling photograph.
Look for layers of horizontal lines to add rhythm to your image, for example layers of breaking surf. The rhythm can than become the focus or subject of the image 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 .
Vertical Lines in Your Image
Vertical lines can convey a variety of different moods from grandeur and dignity to power. Objects such as buildings and people represent horizontal lines. If you want to create a very powerful and dynamic picture combine vertical lines with horizontal lines. If you really want to emphasize the dynamics of the vertical line, try taking your photos in a vertical plane. Although, with photography this is only a guide. If you want the lines to appear as if they are bursting out of the top of the photo, it then becomes useful to leave your camera in a horizontal format. Take your photo so that the lines move from the top to the bottom of your picture.
Using Diagonal Lines
Diagonal lines that are used in your image are sometimes considered the most interesting. They indicate movement and speed. They can lead you into the frame of the image and to the point of interest. A good trick 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 moves to the one side of the opposite corner. 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 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.
Shapes
Shapes are basic two dimensional elements in the composition of your photos. You can use different shapes to achieve different moods within your picture. Shapes can include anything from triangles to odd numbers 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 dynamic image. Make them more creative and use them with diagonals and triangles to create a more interesting image. Placing a shape against a contrasting background and make them more interesting for example a white yacht sail against a blue ocean. Silhouettes are also a great use of shapes. The use of curved lines or circles and straight lines has a great 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 keys. To find out about printing your photo to canvas visit Canvas Prints Online.
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