USING LINES & SHAPES FOR YOUR PHOTOS
Trusted Nikon Digital Cameras>>USING LINES & SHAPES IN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY
Photos are about what each individual prefers, but there are a few rules of photo composition that can help build the basis of an interesting photo that you can use for your photo canvas print. One of the key things to look for when creating a photo is ‘lines and different shapes’. It is helpful to train your eyes to look for lines and shapes. They can be a powerful building block that can have a dynamic impact on your image. 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 either leading the eye’s to a part of your image, or leading the eyes from one part to another.
Using lines and shapes takes a little practice and it is often useful to go back through previous photos 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 tips will add to your finished print.
Using Horizontal Lines
Horizontal lines can be useful in creating photos that are tranquil. They can have the ability to convey restfulness and stability. An idea of this may be 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 adverse effect and could create a dull image. Although this is not always the case. It is good practice to pick out the more impressive part of your scene, for example sunsets with interesting clouds. 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 rolling waves. The rhythm can than become the focus or subject of the photo itself.
Another good trick 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 various different moods from grandeur and dignity to growth. 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 power of the vertical line, try switching your camera to the vertical plane. With photography this can be considered only a guide. If you want the lines to appear as if they are bursting out of the top of the picture, it then becomes useful to leave your camera in a landscape format. Take your photo so that the lines move from the bottom to the top of your photo.
Using Diagonal Lines
Diagonal lines that are used in your photo are sometimes considered the most interesting. They represent movement and speed. They can lead you into the frame of the image and to the centre of interest. A good idea 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 runs 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 photo print to canvas look for different ways to include 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. Shapes such as squares and rectangle can be less interesting as they basically mirror the frame of the image, so it lacks interesting conflict. Make them more creative and use them with diagonals and triangles to create a more interesting photo. Placing a shape against a contrasting background and make them more interesting for example a white yacht sail against a blue ocean. A great 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 photo.
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 rules. To find out about printing your photo to canvas visit Canvas Prints Online.
