USING LINES & SHAPES IN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY
Photos are about personal preference, but there are key rules of photo composition that can help build the basis of a great photo that you can turn into a canvas photo 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 lead to a dynamic impact on your photo. Lines and shapes are helpful in adding 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 helpful 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 powerful in creating photos that are peaceful. They can have the ability to convey restfulness and stability. An example of this can 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 possibly create a dull image. Although this is not always considered the rule. A great practice to pick out the more impressive part of your scene, for example sunsets with interesting clouds. It is worth noting 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 tip 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 rigidity. Objects such as skyscrapers and trees 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 dynamics of the vertical line, try switching your camera to the 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 image, 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 picture.
Using Diagonal Lines
Diagonal lines that are used in your image are sometimes considered the most interesting. They are representative of movement and speed. They can lead you into the frame of the photo 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 may 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 canvas to photo print look for different ways to include 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. 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 interesting picture. Make them more creative and use them with diagonals and triangles to create a more interesting picture. 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. Silhouettes are also an ideal use of shapes. The use of curved lines or circles and straight lines has a great ability to create tension in your picture.
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.
