Composition: Line

Lines guide our eyes through a photograph and can help shape the feeling of the image. For instance, your eyes follow the curve of this tendril along its path to the center, conveniently located in the top left-ish third of the image:


We attach meanings to certain types of lines. For instance, horizontal lines--horizons in particular--create a feeling of stability:


while vertical lines create a feeling of strength, power, or growth:




Vertical lines can be tough to photograph. You'll notice in most of my examples above, the lines aren't completely parallel to the edges of the photograph. It's pretty much unpreventable when taking pictures of tall things, so just be aware of it and try to keep the vertical lines parallel to one edge or the other, or pointing in the direction of a focal point in the image.

Diagonal lines can be either positive (extending from bottom left to top right) or negative (extending from bottom right to top left). This one has both (which is common):


In this image, two positive lines intersect a negative line formed by the right hand side of the wall. Although positive lines dominate the image, the fact that they are all diagonal gives the picture a feeling of being off-balance--very appropriate for the Museum of the Holocaust.


Here, a negative line, formed from the line of the wing to the arm of the statue, lends the picture a melancholy feel:


Here's the assignment: focus on using lines effectively in your pictures over the next two weeks (there won't be a new assignment next week due to thanksgiving). Try to take pictures of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines. Decide if you like positive or negative diagonal lines better (at least this week). Again, as you watch TV, pay attention to the images, particularly how they use lines to draw your eyes to the focal point of the image.

Good luck, and post at least three images in the next two weeks.