- Line
Take a number of shots using lines to create a sense of depth. Shooting with a wide-angle lens (zooming out) strengthens a diagonal line by giving it more length within the frame. The effect is dramatically accentuated if you choose a viewpoint close to the line.
I have used the top of the railing to add depth to the shot. The image mainly just a close shot of the fence; however, the railing draws you in past the boat to the bridge in the background.
Here I have placed the rail at an angle, to give a sense that things carry on outside the shot
I have framed the shot so that the bridge stretches from the top corner drawing the viewer to the other side of the water.
Here the lines lead the viewer to “catch up” the man as he is walking.
Here, while the image is mainly just bricks, the angles and diagonals draw the eyes around the picture.
2.
Take a number of shots using lines to flatten the pictorial space. To avoid the effects of perspective, the sensor/film plane should be parallel to the subject and you may like to try a high viewpoint (i.e. looking down). Modern architecture offers strong lines and dynamic diagonals, and zooming in can help to create simpler, more abstract compositions.
In this images, the lines disguise the shapes of the building – flattening the image.
In the above image, the lines bring all the elements together, as a flat image when fact they are all spaced vastly apart.
In the picture above the lines act as a barrier, stopping the eyes from looking through to people sitting having coffee.
Reflections
Engaging in this recent exercise has been a thought-provoking experience, particularly in understanding the impact of lines in composition. As a photographer, I’ve always relied on diagonals to add depth to my shots, but this exercise has highlighted an important aspect that I hadn’t fully considered before: the effect of vertical lines on depth and viewer perception.
Diagonals have been a go-to technique for me, helping to guide the viewer’s eye through an image and create a sense of depth. However, this exercise prompted me to think critically about how different types of lines influence the composition and overall impact of a photograph.
Vertical lines, in particular, can be quite powerful, but they also have the potential to alter the viewer’s experience in unexpected ways. Unlike diagonals, which often lead the eye into the scene and through various elements, vertical lines can sometimes confine the viewer’s attention to the edges or create a sense of flatness. This realization has been eye-opening, revealing how lines, whether horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, play a crucial role in guiding the viewer’s gaze and shaping the narrative of an image.
In this exercise, I deliberately chose somewhat bland pictures to illustrate these principles. By focusing on how lines interact with the composition, I aimed to demonstrate how strong leading lines can either draw the viewer into the image or, if not used thoughtfully, direct their attention straight out of the frame. The goal was to showcase how lines can either enhance the depth and journey within an image or detract from it, depending on their placement and orientation.
As photographers, it’s essential to be mindful of how lines function within our compositions. They can either lead the viewer on an engaging visual journey or inadvertently push their gaze out of the frame. This exercise has underscored the importance of considering the role of lines in our work and how they can influence the viewer’s experience.
By experimenting with different types of lines and understanding their impact, we can create more compelling and dynamic compositions. Whether using diagonals to add depth or being cautious with vertical lines to maintain viewer engagement, this exploration has provided valuable insights into the nuanced role of lines in photography.
