Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Taking Advantage Of Lines In Photography

By Parker Michaels


When viewing a photograph, it's interesting how the eye is forced to move in a certain direction. Most people are unaware of this pattern and just feel that it happens because certain features and colors in a picture draw their attention. In fact, the lines in photography are used for just this reason.

There are many rules to good photography, but understanding how delineation works is one of the most important. This ability to move the viewers' eyes from one point in the photo to another without disengaging them is more difficult than it would first appear. The problem is that any line that leads out of the image also leads viewers away. By maintaining their focus they will find their interest lingering and will find it more intriguing.

Professional photographers and artists have been using what are called leading lines for centuries in order to ensure viewers follow the trail that leads to primary and secondary focal points. This is an interesting concept that happens subconsciously. This is most easily noticed with bold demarcations such as railroad tracks that start larger at the bottom and grow smaller as they move up the page.

There are many ways to lead viewers through a photo using this technique, such as by having them follow a fence line, winding path, or horizon line at sunset. This is where the "rule of thirds" comes in handy. If three horizontal and three vertical stripes were drawn on a picture at equal distances, the resulting grid would identify where focal points and secondary images should be included. Intersecting points identify where subjects will be located.

Equally important is the fact that points of secondary interest placed on the grid borders will enhance interest and help move the viewer's eye along the intended path. Of course, creating this grid in the mind's eye prior to taking a picture is not easy and takes practice. However, once perfected, it results in photos that are intriguing, interesting, and enhance view enjoyment.

These markers should be used to create a pattern that pulls random elements together. Although many new photographers use straight planes, such as a horizon, the best in the field know that curved lines generate the strongest photos. By taking a picture of a curved shoreline instead of a straight one, more interest is generated and it's possible to select multiple images in the pictures.

It's also important to make sure contours go in the right direction. This means that those leading out of a picture draw the viewer's eye away from photos. This generates a weak photo in that the object is to capture the viewer's attention in order to hold it until all important elements have been viewed.

The composition of any picture includes many elements. However, what is most important is the use of lines in photography which aid viewers in remaining interested long enough to find the story. Fabulous photos are easy if some basic rules are followed.




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