USING LINES AND SHAPES TO CREATE INTERESTING PHOTOS

Photos are about what each individual prefers, but there are a few rules of photo composition that can help build a foundation of an interesting photo that you can print on canvas. One of the key elements to look for when composing 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 photo. It can be useful 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 beneficial 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 rules will add to your finished print.

Horizontal Lines in Your Image

Horizontal lines can be dynamic in creating photos that are peaceful. They may have the ability to convey stability and restfulness. An example of this may 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 negative effect and could create a dull image. This is not always rule. A good practice to select out the more impressive part of your scene, for example sunsets with dramatic clouds. It is worth also keep in mind 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 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 look .

Vertical Lines in Your Image

Vertical lines can convey various different moods from grandeur and dignity to growth. Objects such as skyscrapers and trees 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 taking your photos in a vertical plane. Although, with photography this is not always the rule. If you want the lines to appear as if they are moving out of the top of the photo, 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 photo.

Diagonal Lines in Your Image

Diagonal lines that are used in your photo are sometimes considered the most interesting. They indicate movement and speed. They can lead you into the frame of the photo and to the point 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 photo 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 look for different ways to incorporate interesting diagonal lines into your image. 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 moods within your image. Shapes can include anything from triangles to odd numbers to create interesting 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 dynamic image. Shapes can also be made more interesting by placing them against a contrasting background for example a red triangular tent against a snowy white backdrop. A ideal use of shapes are also silhouettes. The use straight lines and curved lines or circles and can have a ability to create tension in your image.

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 elements. To find out about printing your photo to canvas visit Canvas Prints Online.