Composition Lesson 3 - Shapes and Lines
SHAPES AND LINES
Shapes and lines are important elements in photographic composition. When properly used, shapes and lines can create cool effects. As a photographer, you usually have control over the way shapes and lines are used in your pictures.
Shape
Shape is a two-dimensional element basic to picture composition and is usually the first means by which a viewer identifies an object within the picture.
Shapes can be made more obvious by placing them against plain contrasting backgrounds; for example, consider a white bird against a dark green background or a black chair against a white wall.
Composition: Lesson 3/Assignment 1: (2 photos)
Take two photos with dramatic shapes against contrasting backgrounds.
Note what stands out to you using shapes to create your photos.
Shapes and lines are important elements in photographic composition. When properly used, shapes and lines can create cool effects. As a photographer, you usually have control over the way shapes and lines are used in your pictures.
Shape
Shape is a two-dimensional element basic to picture composition and is usually the first means by which a viewer identifies an object within the picture.
Shapes can be made more obvious by placing them against plain contrasting backgrounds; for example, consider a white bird against a dark green background or a black chair against a white wall.
Composition: Lesson 3/Assignment 1: (2 photos)
Take two photos with dramatic shapes against contrasting backgrounds.
Note what stands out to you using shapes to create your photos.
The contrast of the tall thin blades of grass against the more round and large shape of the flower makes the flower the focal point of the photo. The contrasting color helps as well. Samuel did a great job with his focal point photo.
Now let's talk about lines:).
Lines
Lines can be effective elements of composition, because they give structure to your photographs. Lines can unify composition by directing the viewer's eyes and attention to the main point of the picture or lead the eyes from one part of the picture to another. They can lead the eyes to infinity, divide the picture, and create patterns.
The viewer's eyes tend to follow lines into the picture (or out of the picture) regardless of whether they are simple linear elements such as fences, roads, and a row of phone poles, or more complex line elements, such as curves, shapes, tones, and colors.
Vertical, diagonal, horizontal, and curved lines create different moods.
Vertical lines communicate a sense of strength, rigidity, power, and solidarity to the viewer as seen by the bug's eye photo of the trees by Michael for Lesson 2.
On the other hand, horizontal lines represent peace, tranquillity, and quietness.
Diagonal lines represent movement, action, and speed. A picture with diagonal lines conveys a feeling of dynamic action even when the subject is static.
Curved lines present a sense of grace, smoothness, and dignity to a photograph.
Lines are not only present in the shape of things but can be created by arranging several elements within the picture area so they form lines by their relationship with one another.
Composition: Lesson 3/Assignment 2: (2 photos)
Take two photos with very strong lines. Note what kind of lines you are taking
Lines
Lines can be effective elements of composition, because they give structure to your photographs. Lines can unify composition by directing the viewer's eyes and attention to the main point of the picture or lead the eyes from one part of the picture to another. They can lead the eyes to infinity, divide the picture, and create patterns.
The viewer's eyes tend to follow lines into the picture (or out of the picture) regardless of whether they are simple linear elements such as fences, roads, and a row of phone poles, or more complex line elements, such as curves, shapes, tones, and colors.
Vertical, diagonal, horizontal, and curved lines create different moods.
Vertical lines communicate a sense of strength, rigidity, power, and solidarity to the viewer as seen by the bug's eye photo of the trees by Michael for Lesson 2.
On the other hand, horizontal lines represent peace, tranquillity, and quietness.
Diagonal lines represent movement, action, and speed. A picture with diagonal lines conveys a feeling of dynamic action even when the subject is static.
Curved lines present a sense of grace, smoothness, and dignity to a photograph.
Lines are not only present in the shape of things but can be created by arranging several elements within the picture area so they form lines by their relationship with one another.
Composition: Lesson 3/Assignment 2: (2 photos)
Take two photos with very strong lines. Note what kind of lines you are taking
Don't forget lines can be obvious or they could be things that are lined up to created an "implied" line.. or the idea of a line.
Have Fun!
Smiles,
Mrs. G.
Have Fun!
Smiles,
Mrs. G.