The power of lines in photographic composition

Introduction: The influence of lines in composition on the picture cannot be ignored. Using lines can make the composition more profound and dynamic.

Let me give a simple example:

Would the photo above look more three-dimensional? This is the feeling of depth created by the application of lines in the composition. The converging lines intersect at infinity, and the parallel lines that should be of equal length visually gradually become shorter and the distance between them becomes smaller. These lines create a sense of distance and space, and I marked these lines so we can see their role in them:

Of course, not every landscape has such an obvious line composition. The example just given is as classic as a textbook. When actually shooting, composition requires our imagination and creativity. In the landscape photo below, the two triangles in the foreground point toward the setting sun and rocks protruding from the sea in the distance.

Of course, not every landscape has such an obvious line composition. The example just given is as classic as a textbook. When actually shooting, composition requires our imagination and creativity. In the landscape photo below, the two triangles in the foreground point to the setting sun and rocks protruding from the sea in the distance.

The pointing line here is a hidden line that does not really exist. Instead, its direction is determined by the shape of the foreground at the bottom of the picture.

Looking at this photo again from different angles, we can also draw different conclusions. By cropping the original image, we will get a photo with a different aspect ratio and very prominent horizontal lines. The special aspect ratio and the distant horizontal line create a sense of stability and balance:

The most important and obvious line is the horizontal line. The wavy pattern balanced with the horizontal line also makes the picture more interesting. vitality.

So we can conclude:

Stable horizontal lines can bring calm and tranquility;

Diagonal lines can bring excitement and vitality;

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In landscape photography, a wide-angle lens will make the line between the foreground and infinity more obvious.

The use of lines other than scenery

The role of lines in landscape photography is more important, but for other photography categories, we also need to have an eye for exploring lines. Lines can be straight or curved, or even tangible or invisible. Intangible lines represent a kind of momentum. The photo below has a diagonal composition, which brings vitality to the picture.

The next is a photo composed with vertical lines. The vertical red paper echoes the texture of the wooden wall next to it. There is also a red rope running through the picture, breaking the layout of vertical lines. Vertical line composition is not as active as diagonal line composition and is more stable.

Lines in portraits

What role do lines play in portrait works? The photo below uses the lines of the arms to focus the viewer’s attention on the face: ?

In this picture, the lines represent the momentum formed by the contrast between the dark background, black clothing and fair skin.

Written at the end

Lines are everywhere in front of the camera and are very useful. There are many ways to use lines, such as eliminating irrelevant elements in the picture, making the composition as simple as possible, and highlighting the existence of lines. There is a lot of basic knowledge about lines, but when it comes to actual application, everyone may have different opinions. Being able to express your own opinions is success.