What is lines in photography

Texture in photography can also be accentuated by light. Colour : Colour may not be among the geometrical design elements, but colour is still important. Colour can draw the eye or create a mood. Shape in photography has several different elements — and not the different shapes you learn in elementary school. In photography, shapes can be categorized a few different ways: Geometric: Geometric shapes have straight, defined edges. In photography, these types of shapes are most common in man-made structures, such as architectural photography.

Organic: Organic structures are full of curves and may not be geometrically perfect. These types of shapes are often most found in nature, the curve of a flower petal, for example. Positive: A positive shape is what we think of first when we think of a shape. A positive shape is the shape made by an object. A negative space is the crack in a canyon wall, for example, or a shape created from the outline of two positive spaces.

All these concepts and ideas are great, but how do you actually put them into practice? Recognizing that is the first step — and examining your earlier work and the work of other photographers you admire for line, shape and form is the second step.

Then, to continue building on those foundational concepts, here are a few tips to integrate as you shoot for stronger photography composition. Rounded shapes, like circles and ovals, create a sense of movement because of the lack of corners and edges.

Squares and rectangles and those straight edges and sharp corners, on the other hand, tend to create a felling of stability. Triangles in photography direct the eye to the point of the triangle. Irregular shapes, where sides are different lengths, can also create a more tense feel in a photograph. For lines, the direction the line is headed in plays a role in the emotion of the image.

Diagonals appear to be going somewhere, so they create a greater feel for movement within the frame. These types of lines also lead the eye towards wherever that line is pointing at. And a leading diagonal line that heads into the distance will give a photograph a sense of depth. A vertical line, on the other hand, tends to build a feel for strength or stability, while a horizontal line is more generally associated with a calm or peaceful image. Curved lines will create a similar feel as circles and ovals, building a sense of motion.

For example, you can choose to photograph the broadside of the barn to create a rectangular shape, or you can choose to stand at a corner and create diagonal lines and switch from shape to form. Your email address will not be published. We are always looking for more interesting and insightful photography tips and techniques to share with our readers.

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Join over , photographers of all experience levels who receive our free photography tips and articles to stay current: Email Subscribe. Related Articles. Dave says:. Verticals imply power, strength, vitality and are dynamic. Think back to when you were in school or were coached by your parents to feel confident.

Diagonal lines are synonymous with movement, flow and acceleration. Action and mobility are displayed. If you do, movement occurs.

Think about a playground slide. A giraffe in a vertical stance shows power, but note how the two are positioned in the accompanying image. In that they are on the move, the necks tilt forward further reinforcing that diagonals show fluidity. Curved lines bring the eyes of the viewer on a course throughout your image.

They flow within the photo and lead the viewer on an eye-candy journey. Be sure the lines bring the eye to an integral portion of the photo. Your email address will not be published. We are always looking for more interesting and insightful photography tips and techniques to share with our readers. We would love to publish an article by you if you are interested in writing for us. See what we are looking for and get in touch.

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