Concepts of Composition : Line

[Preacherman]

In your shots lines can be real or virtual. Virtual lines, of which 'Leading Lines' are one example, are those which act to lead your viewer into specific areas of your shot. Some argue that the human eye is more attracted to angles, however, and that the concept of 'leading lines' is a fallacy. A complicated topic and one I am well qualified NOT to talk about (yet). Here, I refer to 'real' or 'true' lines. One of the most important 'true lines' in photography is the horizon and needs very careful alignment in images. Other 'real lines' are those that form the outlines of shapes or delineate between areas of shade and are a mental construct which, along with our visual system help the brain to simplify the chaotic visual jumble of the world. A good excercise is to go out and try to capture shots where real lines occupy each corner of the frame. It makes you not only search for subjects, but once found you end up twisting, bending, crawling and squealing, and can attract quite an audience as you determine to get your image.

Here in image 1 I managed to occupy two out of the four corners.



Here on this old crane truck I got 3



And at last, here on our patio chair I got all 4, which was the goal. Although this one necessitated a severe crop, whereas the other two are untouched.



There are some wonderful structures out there that are ripe for capturing bearing this compositional concept in mind. How about it friends?

[dvetter]

Another very educational thread Paul, very good shots included for examples!

[SoxAddict]

Nice thread Paul! Love the progression of capturing increasing numbers of corners. Hope you didn't squeal too much.

[Jill H]

Another great thread and lesson, and examples. Thanks. It is great to go out and practice what you have learned.

[bascott]

Nice picture Paul, I am enjoying this series, thank you! Isn't it funny how what we are looking for is in our own back yard!

[ZannieGirl49]

Nice shots Paul, and great information. I'm going to have to go out and practice the concept. Thanks for sharing this with us, you've created a really easy to follow guide on this concept.

[pjflan7]

I have not read what you are reading but I am sitting pondering about the 4 corner concept. It seems to be a bit contrived......Of the 3 shots, the last one is the most unpleasant to look at naturally and to me the 2 corner works the best for visual interest.....the negative space seems to balance out the strong linear qualities....I'll have to look through my shots to see if I have anything that approaches what this lesson advocates......

[Preacherman]

Originally Posted by dvetter

Another very educational thread Paul, very good shots included for examples!

Thanks Duane. I am having fun learning and doing. PAUL

Originally Posted by SoxAddict

Nice thread Paul! Love the progression of capturing increasing numbers of corners. Hope you didn't squeal too much.

Thanks Nicky. No squealing, but a bit of squirming. PAUL

Originally Posted by Jill H

Another great thread and lesson, and examples. Thanks. It is great to go out and practice what you have learned.

Very enjoyable Jill. So much to learn. PAUL

Originally Posted by bascott

Nice picture Paul, I am enjoying this series, thank you! Isn't it funny how what we are looking for is in our own back yard!

Yes Brian. Unfortunately my own back yard is as far as I can get right now. Car is still snowed in. PAUL

Originally Posted by ZannieGirl49

Nice shots Paul, and great information. I'm going to have to go out and practice the concept. Thanks for sharing this with us, you've created a really easy to follow guide on this concept.

Glad you are with me Suzanne. Enjoy. pAUL

Originally Posted by pjflan7

I have not read what you are reading but I am sitting pondering about the 4 corner concept. It seems to be a bit contrived......Of the 3 shots, the last one is the most unpleasant to look at naturally and to me the 2 corner works the best for visual interest.....the negative space seems to balance out the strong linear qualities....I'll have to look through my shots to see if I have anything that approaches what this lesson advocates......

I wish you could see the example in the book Patrick. The four corner one is spectacular. There is a bridge I have in mind that I think will illustrate the concept very well, I just can't get to it right now for the snow, so I got the patio chair from my old shots. If you find anything, gives us all a peep will you, I'm stuck for subjects right now, but I do intend to re-visit this later. Thanks my friend. PAUL

[jennie]

tnx for the lessons Paul..very interesting..never thought about this concept when i'm shooting..i usually have two lines to have the photo some breathing space and to avoid clutter..filling the four corners would be really challenging..

[TheFathersCreation]

Very good, Paul, and thanks for sharing the information. I personally like the last one because of all the lines coming together and leading the eye through the center! Does this make sense to you? Thanks for sharing, I am going to have to try this now! Great examples of the lesson too!