Like with illustration, painting and other composition-based art, lines in photography are very important. Properly used, they can create any number of thematic, emotional and psychological effects, from adding emphasis to specific elements, creating a feeling of power, peace, movement, stillness, etc. They can also help the photographer add drama, or a particular mood, to achieve the desired response from the viewer.
Horizons, solid shapes, buildings, light and shadow, textures, patterns, animals, people and any number of elements can form lines in photography. The diagonal line is obvious in most extreme perspective shots, and can be visually dynamic. In the same way that developing an eye for light and shade, focal length and depth can improve your overall compositional skills, so can learning to frame the line/s within your image.
There are three basic types of line, based on the direction that it passes through the frame: 1) horizontal, 2) vertical and 3) diagonal. In addition to these, there are also the invisible ones that make up the rule of thirds gridlines, the ones that enable frames within frames and other hallmarks of classic composition, but this overview will concentrate on the basics.
The Horizontal Line: The line that travels from left to right - or right to left - is familiar to most casual photogs with a taste for landscapes. The most common horizontal line is, of course, the horizon. Horizontals can be powerful in the right hands, evoking a feeling of stability or intimating rest and peace. A sense of balance and solidity can also be achieved.
It is a good idea to make sure your tripod is levelled off when working with this type of line. Experiment with both 'portrait' (upright) and 'landscape' (sideways) orientations for different effects, for example, you may find that the lengthwise division of the frame adds a grounded feeling, and a vertical division a sense of confinement.
The Vertical Line: Verticals can evoke the impression of growth and power (think of a cityscape of tall skyscrapers, or magnificent towering trees, or a formation of marching soldiers). Verticals can seem to elongate or lengthen other elements. In some compositions, verticals can seem to trap other picture elements, like the long vertical lines of jail bars.
Experimenting with orientation and line placement can yield all kinds of effects. Examples include dramatically segmented frames (do not overdo it) or creating a sense that the frame is barely containing its subject. A level tripod, once again, is recommended with this type of line.
Diagonals: This type of line is great for implying movement and for drawing the viewers eye to important elements/parts of the frame. Diagonals intersect with other lines to create effective points of interest too. Closely-spaced and haphazard diagonals can create aliasing issues or make the frame look cluttered and busy, though, so make sure you think through your line choices.
The effective use of lines in photography requires some practice, but once you begin to develop a sense for it, the results can be dynamic and impactful. Be cautious of central lines (corner to corner diagonals included) as these can flatten or deaden your image - keep the rule of thirds in mind at all times.
Horizons, solid shapes, buildings, light and shadow, textures, patterns, animals, people and any number of elements can form lines in photography. The diagonal line is obvious in most extreme perspective shots, and can be visually dynamic. In the same way that developing an eye for light and shade, focal length and depth can improve your overall compositional skills, so can learning to frame the line/s within your image.
There are three basic types of line, based on the direction that it passes through the frame: 1) horizontal, 2) vertical and 3) diagonal. In addition to these, there are also the invisible ones that make up the rule of thirds gridlines, the ones that enable frames within frames and other hallmarks of classic composition, but this overview will concentrate on the basics.
The Horizontal Line: The line that travels from left to right - or right to left - is familiar to most casual photogs with a taste for landscapes. The most common horizontal line is, of course, the horizon. Horizontals can be powerful in the right hands, evoking a feeling of stability or intimating rest and peace. A sense of balance and solidity can also be achieved.
It is a good idea to make sure your tripod is levelled off when working with this type of line. Experiment with both 'portrait' (upright) and 'landscape' (sideways) orientations for different effects, for example, you may find that the lengthwise division of the frame adds a grounded feeling, and a vertical division a sense of confinement.
The Vertical Line: Verticals can evoke the impression of growth and power (think of a cityscape of tall skyscrapers, or magnificent towering trees, or a formation of marching soldiers). Verticals can seem to elongate or lengthen other elements. In some compositions, verticals can seem to trap other picture elements, like the long vertical lines of jail bars.
Experimenting with orientation and line placement can yield all kinds of effects. Examples include dramatically segmented frames (do not overdo it) or creating a sense that the frame is barely containing its subject. A level tripod, once again, is recommended with this type of line.
Diagonals: This type of line is great for implying movement and for drawing the viewers eye to important elements/parts of the frame. Diagonals intersect with other lines to create effective points of interest too. Closely-spaced and haphazard diagonals can create aliasing issues or make the frame look cluttered and busy, though, so make sure you think through your line choices.
The effective use of lines in photography requires some practice, but once you begin to develop a sense for it, the results can be dynamic and impactful. Be cautious of central lines (corner to corner diagonals included) as these can flatten or deaden your image - keep the rule of thirds in mind at all times.
About the Author:
Parker Michaels is a new media consultant and freelance photographer. For more information on the leading lines in photography, visit www.photo-junkie.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment