Keith Wilbur is our guest
photographer today. All images are by Keith who has a natural eye for
photography. Check out more of his photos using the link below. Thank you, Keith, for allowing me to use your images in my post.
Today's post discusses leading lines, another form of photographic composition.
Below, the sun forms a line on the water drawing us into the image, straight to the dock, mountains and clouds. Our eyes are lifted up into the photo to a beautiful view.
The shape and direction of
strong lines create powerful images. The lines created by the rise and fall of
rolling hills or tanned bodies lying on the beach are sensuous. Tall buildings
or columns, stair steps or bridges are stable and formal.
There are many different
types of lines we can use in our photographic compositions: straight, diagonal,
curvy, zigzag, and circular. Each can be used to improve our photo's composition.
Below, the pylons lead our eye into the photo, through the fog to the sailboat moored in the distance.
Looking at a photo
containing strong lines naturally draws our eye along them. Think about how you
place lines in your photo and you can affect the way the image is seen. The
viewer can be pulled toward the subject, through the scene or into the picture.
Lines pulling us diagonally from the corners of the photo make a strong composition.
One of the most common and
graceful lines used in composition is called the S curve. Below the river forms an S curve and draws our eye to the truck on the highway.
The undulating lines of
the country road draw the eye into the image. The road disappears around a bend into the trees inviting us in.
Lines have many uses in a
photograph. They can unify, divide, or accent a composition.
If they are interesting enough, they can become the subject of the image themselves.
View more wonderful photos by Keith
I'd love to have more guest photographers! Leave me a comment in a comment box below if you are interested. Submit from 1 to 7 photos per post. Have some fun. Copyright remains in your possession.
Links to other posts on composition:
And Matt Considine's informative guest post : Capturing a Satisfying Image
Don't forget - post a photo with your comment below if you are so inclined.
