PHOTO TECHNIQUES

USING LINES AND SHAPES TO CREATE INTERESTING PHOTOS

Photos are about what each individual prefers, but there are a handful of 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 yourself to look for lines and shapes. They can be a powerful building block that can lead to a dynamic impact on your photo. 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 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 of the different lines and shapes that you can use. Using these tips will add to your finished print.

 

Using Horizontal Lines

Horizontal lines can be useful in creating photos that are tranquil. They can have the ability to convey restfulness and stability. 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 adverse effect and possibly create a dull image. Although this is not always considered the case. 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 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 on canvas will look .

 

Vertical Lines in Your Image

Vertical lines can convey various different moods from grandeur and dignity to power. Objects such as buildings and skyscrapers 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 taking your photos in a vertical plane. Although, as with all photography this can be considered not always the rule. 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 horizontal format. Take your picture so that the lines move from the bottom to the top of your image.

 

Using Diagonal Lines

Diagonal lines that are used in your picture are often considered the most interesting. They indicate movement and action. They can lead you into the frame of the image and to the point 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 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 photo print to canvas 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 image. Shapes can include anything from triangles to odd numbers to create 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 dynamic image. Make them more creative and use them with diagonals and triangles to create a more dynamic picture. Make shapes more interesting by placing them against a contrasting background for example a white yacht sail against a dark and moody sky. Silhouettes are also an ideal use of shapes. The use of circles or curved lines and straight lines 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.