LINES and More LINES

        While researching my previous blog about textures, I came across a number of other photography features I found interesting, and hope you will concur. Among my discoveries was information about the use of patterns to create good pictures; however, since it is so similar to the concepts about textures, I am passing it by until a future post. Instead, I opted to draw attention to the use of lines in photography. 

---------------------    _____________ ------------------- ___________    

 👉Lines are intended to direct our attention to important items in a photograph. 

A line is an identifiable path created by a point  moving in space. It is one-dimensional and can vary in width, direction, and length. Lines often define the edges of a form. 

               📏📐📏📐📏📐📏📐📏📐📏📐

There are two basic lines in geometry: straight and curved. 𐩘   

Straight lines are further classified into horizontal and vertical.  Other types of lines are parallel lines, intersecting lines, and perpendicular lines.  A line extends endlessly in both directions.

    That was a difficult principle to comprehend. How could it be endless?  God is the only one with no beginning or end!

 

Lines in photography are an immensely powerful element.  Proper arrangement of lines guides the eye around the image, often placing emphasis on the subject matter or conveying a sense of movement.

Implied lines are not actual lines that you are used to seeing. They are implied in the picture area. They are made by the way objects are placed within the boundaries of the picture. Often, an actual object will create a line, such as a tree, a railroad track, or telephone wires. Improper arrangement can draw the eye out of the photo or take away from the strength of                                                                 the  subject matter.

    Consider the different types of lines that can be used in photography. Horizontal lines may create a sense of calmness.

    Vertical lines  convey a sense of structure and strength.   

    Curved lines bring the eyes of the viewer on a course throughout the image. They flow within the photo and lead the viewer on a very pleasant journey.

  

  

    Leading lines are a special type of line that landscape photographers love ( and you'll find them in other genres, too.)  Leading lines are generally diagonal or vertical lines that lead the eye into the frame, from foreground to middle ground to the background.

               

     They guide the eye through the frame, carefully taking the viewer through the photo.

 They help to create depth, a sense of tension and dynamism.  

Without diagonal lines, you'll often end up with a static image.

 While looking for a definition of lines, I came across some other ways the word  is used, and it inspired me.  While preparing an article such as this one, making an outline can be helpful.  There are outlines in our pictures, too, no?  When I write about shapes in a future blog, I will address the importance of outlines. How many items can you recognize just be their outline???  🤍☆  ♢

   Coloring books are quite popular. The pictures are outlines to be filled in with color.

Several word processing programs are fairly easy to use. Incorporating Bold, italics and underline can produce a better quality piece. These three elements are frequently used by writers, and so the programs simplify their access.

      In photography, using lines can accomplish the same kind of thing in our photos--emphasize subjects in the composition.  There are photo editing tools which are readily accessible, just as there tools in word programs to enhance writing.  One of them can be used to straighten pictures. It provides for an easy fix. When I first joined our photo club, I did not even notice my faulty horizon lines!

 

How and where lines are placed in a picture can make the difference between an OK shot, and a fantastic one!  Architects, people who do drafting, and surveyors could not work without using lines. Every picture taken has borders, lines that contain the dimensions 

of the shot. 

I participated in marching band in both high school and college. Straight lines were significant if we were to look good. Looking good always helped us to sound good, too. When you watch a marching band, it is obvious if someone is out of step. Even while making turns, it was necessary to keep the line straight.  It helped us to keep the formations from looking sloppy. 

 🎷🎸     🎻🎼

I relished watching the British bands and military parading  in the coronation festivities of King Charles III. I was envious of their performance and appreciated the work each one contributed.

Lines can help our photos from looking sloppy, too!

Many cameras are equipped with a grid view which can assist with making a better composition.  It places lines over the viewfinder, dividing the view into 9 equal sections. That can make it easier to focus.

  

 (in memory of Herbie Weber)                                     When I peruse Hobby Lobby or Michael's to look at frames, I find there are many designs and prices, but I find the best bargains in thrift stores. Framing artwork and pictures is a way to complement the work.  Borders and frames can be added digitally to make the photo complete.  A future blog about frames is on my bucket list. Borders and frames would not be possible without the use of lines                                                              

A number of my friends really enjoy the adult coloring books available.  Some of the completed works are suitable for framing. But, I do not like to color.  As a child, I found it hard to stay inside of the lines.

At times, I find it  challenging to stay within the lines of life as well!  But boundaries are important. They can keep us safe, yet provide plenty of freedom while remaining within those bounds. 

Photography allows for great liberties as the product can be manipulated, provide many points of view, and offers a play ground for creativity.  I also find perspectives I may have overlooked.

When I began formulating this month's blog, the topic of lines seemed rather simple.  As you may discover, as I did there are characteristics of lines I did not think about before.

When you work on your next photo op, consider how lines may be used to enhance your shots.