USING LINES & SHAPES FOR YOUR PHOTOS

USING LINES & SHAPES IN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

Photos are about what each individual prefers, but there are key 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 elements 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 element that can have a significant 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 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 useful to go back through previous photos 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 tips will add to your finished print.

Horizontal Lines

Horizontal lines can be powerful in creating photos that are tranquil. They may have the ability to convey restfulness and stability. An idea of this would be a foal sleeping in flowers. 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 rule. A good practice to pick out out the more impressive part of your scene, for example sunsets with dramatic 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 picture 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 print to canvas will enhance the mood .

Vertical Lines

Vertical lines can convey a variety of different moods from grandeur and dignity to growth. Objects such as buildings and people represent horizontal lines. Combined with horizontal lines they can create a strong and dynamic picture. . If you really want to emphasize the power of the vertical line, try switching your camera to the vertical plane. Although, with photography this can be considered not always the rule. 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 horizontal format. Take your picture so that the lines move from the bottom to the top of your picture.

Using Diagonal Lines

Diagonal lines that are used in your image are often considered the most interesting. They indicate movement and action. They can lead you into the frame of the picture and to the centre 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 photo within the confines of your frame try to create a diagonal that starts just to one side of the corner and continues 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 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.

Shapes

Shapes are basic two dimensional elements in the composition of your photos. You can use different shapes to achieve different feelings within your image. Shapes can include anything from odd numbers to triangles to create interesting 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 picture. Make them more creative and use them with diagonals and triangles to create a more interesting photo. Make shapes more interesting by placing them against a contrasting background for example a red triangular tent against a snowy white backdrop. Silhouettes are also a great use of shapes. 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 keys. To find out about printing your photo to canvas visit Canvas Prints Online.