PHOTO TECHNIQUES – USING LINES AND SHAPES
Photos are about personal tastes, 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 elements 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 lead to a significant 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 useful to go back through previous images 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 in Your Image
Horizontal lines can be useful in creating photos that are peaceful. They can have the ability to convey stability and restfulness. An idea of this may be foal sleeping in flowers. 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. This is not always rule. It is good 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.
If you want to add rhythm to your photo, look for layers of horizontal lines, for example layers of breaking surf. The rhythm can than become the focus or subject of the image itself.
Another good idea 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 growth. 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 power of the vertical line, try taking your photos in a vertical plane. With photography this is only a guide. 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 picture so that the lines move from the bottom to the top of your image.
Diagonal Lines in Your Image
Diagonal lines that are used in your image are often 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. The image my lose it’s drive from this particular cause. To achieve a more balanced image within the confines of your frame try to create a diagonal that starts just to one side of the corner and travels 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.
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 picture. 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. To make them more creative use them with diagonals and triangles to create a more interesting image. Make shapes more interesting by placing them against a contrasting background for example a red triangular tent against a snowy white backdrop. A great 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 keys. To find out about printing your photo to canvas visit Canvas Prints Online.