The Thing About Lines Part 2

by Deanna

Our monthly theme for the month of May is leading lines. I think we all know what that means, but in case you need a little reminder I am pulling back into my archives and editing and re-publishing a blog post I wrote back in 2015. The principles that applied in 2015, are still applicable today. 

Lou Nettlehorst was the speaker at our monthly meeting of our MAPS (Morton Arboretum Photography Society) a couple of years ago.  Lou is very well known photography and loved all over the Chicagoland area because of his tremendous knowledge of photography, his amazing skills of teaching, and his terrific personality. I went to the Smokey Mountains with Lou and a group of photographers about 3 years ago and plan on attending another of his workshops to Colorado in September.  

He began by saying that you must have good design to create an image that:

• evokes feelings
• expresses ideas clearly, or
• records scenes, objects or events effectively

Then he went on to discuss the building blocks of visual design:
Light - Line - Shape - Texture - Perspective

I am certainly not going to go into each of these building blocks but I decided to focus on one. Lines have always intrigued me in their shape, form, and design.  Lines are certainly the most prevalent design element. They can easily be seen because of their tonal or color contrast. Lines easily define shapes and clarify spaces between areas and they can lead us to places.

I decided to look back into my archives plus add a few from my recent trip to Michigan and find some images that fall into this design element.

Straight lines 1) have a sense of purpose  2) define shapes  3) can take us to & from areas in a scene

Whereas curving lines 1) may create a more relaxed trip through the photograph  2) may be sensual or tranquil.  The 3 photos above fits into both of these categories, the straight lines provide structure, whereas the curving lines take us to an unknown space.

When making a scene with lines as the prevalent design element consider:

• they carry visual weight - thin less impact than thick
• straight ones may convey rigidity and structure
• horizontal may impart calm or a stable feeling
• vertical may convey stiffness and formality, strength or growth
• oblique or angled may convey a sense of motion

"Line is a rich metaphor for the artist. It denotes not only boundary, edge or contour, but is an agent for location, energy, and growth. It is literally movement and change - life itself." ~  Lance Epsland

Leading Lines

by Judy

Leading lines are a very effective compositional tool that draws your viewers attention to a specific part of your photo.  Since our eyes are naturally drawn along lines when we view something, leading lines give the viewer the sense of being in the photo. Our eyes follow lines to a specific subject in the photo, or to a vanishing point in the distance.

When using leading lines as a tool you want to ask yourself, "where do I want my viewers attention directed?"  Leading lines usually begin at the bottom of the frame and guide the eye up and into the photo.

Leading lines in a photo help to connect the foreground to the background and create depth to the photo.  Depth draws viewers in.

Leading lines can be found just about anywhere.  We just need to keep our eyes open.  If we're drawn into a scene in front of us, chances are its the lines in our view that are making us take a second look.

Look for leading lines with fences, roads, pathways, and bridges.  Anything that is in a row creates leading lines too -  Trees, arches, and lamp posts.  Look at the architecture of the buildings surrounding you, and doorways and gateways can create leading lines.  I love to find leading lines in shadows and sun rays, and by following the flow of a stream.

As you can see, leading lines are everywhere and can make for a very interesting photo.  This month our theme is....you guessed it!  Leading Lines!  Take this month to search for lines that will draw your viewers in.  You will be amazed at how many lines you find.  Be sure to post your photos in our flickr group or on our Instagram page.  We look forward to seeing what you've found!