Lines

Today I wanted to briefly try to explain a few uses of lines in photography and composition, along with a few examples. First of all, lines are everywhere! You just need to keep an eye out for them around you and you will start to see them. Lines can be straight (vertical, horizontal, diagonal) or curved and can enhance the depth in a shot. Take this shot for example.


The curved line draws your eye from the bottom of the shot into the middle, and gives you the perception of distance as you follow the railing. Curved lines are generally pleasing to the eye, and create a feeling of flow.

Lines can also give you a sense of grandeur and strength, as in the next two examples.



In both examples the vertical lines give the architecture a feeling of power and height. Also, vertical lines are enhanced simply by shooting vertically rather than horizontally. This emphasizes the lines, and the emotion.

Diagonal lines can work well to direct your eye through the photograph and create points of interest where they intersect.


In this shot the diagonal lines draw your eyes to the subject of the picture. Diagonal lines can also add a dynamic look and sense of action to an image.

Horizontal lines help evoke a sense of stability, width, and calm. Horizons are the most common horizontal lines in photographs.


Unbroken horizons can create dull or uninteresting photos. Try to break things up by putting other shapes in the way. This will create a point of interest.

So keep an eye out for all the different types of lines, and don't forget to combine them and mix them up!