USING LINES AND SHAPES IN YOUR PHOTOS

CANVAS PHOTO PRINTS - USING LINES AND SHAPES IN YOUR PHOTOS

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Photos are about individual preferences, but there are a few key rules of photo composition that can help build the 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 building block that can lead to a dynamic impact on your image. Lines and shapes are helpful in adding 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 for vertical lines, horizontal lines, shapes and diagonal lines.

Horizontal Lines in Your Image

Horizontal lines can be powerful in creating photos that are calming, tranquil and peaceful. They can have the ability to convey stability and restfulness. An example of this would be a foal sleeping in flowers or a romantic couple laying in long grass. The most common horizontal lines to be found in photographs are generally 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 the case. It is good practice to pick out the more impressive part of your scene, for example sunsets with interesting or 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 breaking surf or layers of rolling waves. 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.


First photo: Horizontal lines in a beach photo. Second photo: Use of both horizontal lines & silhouetted shape


Vertical Lines in Your Image

Vertical lines can convey a variety of different moods from grandeur and dignity to power, strength, rigidity and growth. Objects such as trees and buildings represent horizontal lines. Combined with horizontal lines they can create a strong, dynamic and powerful picture. If you really want to emphasize the dynamics of the vertical line, try taking your photos in a vertical plane. Although, as with all 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 picture, it then becomes useful to leave your camera in a landscape format. Take your photo so that the lines move from the top to the bottom of your picture.


Two very different photos showing use of vertical lines in a photo
Trees Photo: Norm Neilson


Diagonal Lines in Your Image

Diagonal lines that are used in your photo are often considered the most interesting. They represent movement and action. They can lead you into the frame of the picture and to the centre 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 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 moves 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 both vertical & diagonal lines in an image.


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 feelings within your photo. Shapes can include anything from triangles to odd numbers to create 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. To make them more creative 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 white yacht sail against a dark and moody sky. Silhouettes are also a great use of shapes. The use of curved lines or circles and straight lines has a great ability to create tension in your frame.


Two different images showing very different uses of shape
Pelican Photo: Norm Neilson

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 key rules.

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