Lines in Photography

Making use of lines in photography is a photographic composition technique used by

many professional photographers, and for good reason. Lines - also referred as

“Leading Lines” - can be used to lead the eye to the point of interest and prevent the eye

from wandering. Lines can put emphasis on distance or illustrate a relationship to

foreground and background elements. Keep in mind that using lines incorrectly can have the opposite effect and lead the eye away

from the point of interest.

LEADING LINES

• Leading lines draw the viewer's eye to the point of interest or help create the illusion of depth and/or distance in a composition.

Vertical Lines

• Vertical lines can suggest dominance, power and growth. Some excellent examples include tall structural designs and trees.

• Try keeping your vertical lines parallel with the sides of your photograph as much as possible. Vertical lines obviously can’t begin at the corner of your image, as previously suggested, so the alternative is to keep the Rule of Thirds in mind. This will help prevent your image from looking like it’s been cut in half.

Horizontal Lines

• Horizontal lines can suggest peace, calmness and a sense of restfulness. Some prime examples include fallen trees, the ocean, beaches and horizons.

• Just like vertical lines, horizontal lines should be kept as horizontal as possible. Also like vertical lines, the Rule of Thirds should be taken into consideration. Layering horizontal lines can strengthen the composition and can be successful in generating patterns and rhythm.

Diagonal Lines

• Diagonal lines can suggest action, stimulation and depth. The use of diagonal lines can help draw the eye through a photo. The best way to utilize diagonal lines is to present them from the bottom left of the photo to the top right, this is because our eyes naturally scan from left to right. To prevent the photo from looking split, try positioning your diagonal lines to begin slightly above or below the corner of the photo.

Curved Lines or S Curves

• Curved lines or S curves suggest sensuality, elegance and a serene sense of balance. S curves don’t necessarily need to be S-shaped; any form of a winding line can be used. Some examples include rivers, streams, paths and even the human body.

http://www.brighthub.com/multimedia/photography/articles/959.aspx?image=95

What is your assignment?

• 15 photographs with lines. Your picture should focus on the element of line.

• Bring in photographs on a flash drive, CD or memory card. You may also email me your photos.

• DUE OCT 3rd. This gives you plenty of time to borrow a camera if needed

• Select the best one to print and one to create a design out of….

Take your photos at home, work, school, walking home…..

• If you really want to make your picture stick out of the rest, the first thing you must realize is you need to take pictures of different places. Even if you are trapped at school, try and think one step ahead of everyone else. Maybe find some interesting lines in an unused classroom, or at lunch, or your commute home. A good picture, is a unique picture.

Grading Rubric

Photograph assignment: Line

6 Excellent  4 Good  2 Needs Work Total

Following Directions All assigned components to the assignment are present.

Half of the assigned components are present.

Not assigned components are present.

 

Composition Shows strong photographic composition with leading lines, framing, unusual angle, fill the frame

Shows some element of composition, but not strongly

No composition element used  

Contrast / Lighting Photograph has strong contrast of blacks & whites or dark colors and light colors

Good contrast but slightly over or under exposed

Poor contrast  

Cropping All unwanted areas of the photograph are eliminate

Some unwanted elements in photograph

Recrop photograph  

Focus Excellent focus in photograph with no unintended blur

Slightly out of focus Out of focus  

Visual Impact/Mood Photograph creates a dramatic image Photograph creates a pleasing visual image

Photograph does not give mood or feeling

 

Focal Point Obvious focal point Contains focal point but image also contains distractions

No visible focal point  

 Final Presentation Use of ruler and no dirty marks on final board.

 Neat on board but needs slightly uneven.

Use of ruler not evident or final format is messy/dirty.

Total

 

Kaleidoscopes

In class projectYou will select one photo and print 4 copies of it. We will place the prints together to form a design. How can

you print your pictures: ….

Jessica Steddom

Kylie Luther

What makes the design work?

The use of line.

Reminder: Log into your email to join out Flickr group. You will post your 2 best photographs from this assignment there for discussion.