USING LINES AND SHAPES TO CREATE INTERESTING PHOTOS

Photos are about personal preference, but there are key rules of photo composition that can help build the basis of an interesting photo that you can print on canvas. One of the key things to look for when composing a photo is  ‘lines and different shapes’. It is helpful to train yourself to look for lines and shapes. They can be a powerful element that can have a dynamic impact on your image. It can be helpful 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 some practice and it is often useful 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. Using these tips will add to your finished print.

Horizontal Lines

Horizontal lines can be dynamic in creating photos that are tranquil. They may have the ability to convey stability and restfulness. An example of this would 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 possibly create a dull image. This is not always case. A great practice to pick out the more impressive part of your scene, for example sunsets with interesting 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 picture, for example layers of rolling waves. The rhythm can than become the focus or subject of the photo 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 .

Using Vertical Lines

Vertical lines can convey a variety of different moods from grandeur and dignity to power. Objects such as buildings and skyscrapers represent horizontal lines. Combined with horizontal lines they can create a strong and dynamic picture. . If you really want to emphasize the dynamics of the vertical line, try taking your photos in a vertical plane. As with all photography this is only a guide. If you want the lines to appear as if they are bursting 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 top to the bottom of your image.

Using Diagonal Lines

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 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 can cause the image to lose it’ s drive. To achieve a more balanced picture 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 canvas to photo print look for different ways to incorporate interesting diagonal lines into your image. Keep in mind when you are taking photos that it is worth remembering the different moods and feelings that they can convey.

Shapes

Shapes are basic two dimensional elements in the composition of your photos. You can use different shapes to achieve different moods within your picture. Shapes can include anything from odd numbers to triangles 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. To make them more creative use them with diagonals and triangles to create a more interesting photo. Make shapes more interesting by placing them against a contrasting background for example a white yacht sail against a dark and moody sky. A wonderful use of shapes are also silhouettes. The use straight lines and circles or curved lines and can have a ability to create tension in your frame.

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.