In focus: shapes and lines

The Photo Challenge is sponsored by Hyosung Camera (English: 010-7203-9599) and Babo Shirts (www.baboshirts.com). Winners of the weekly competition receive a 50,000 won store credit at Hyosung Camera and a Babo Shirt. To take part in the competition, simply upload your photo at www.flickr.com/groups/seoulphotoclub

- Ed.



By Aaron Raisey



Last week we talked about photography without the camera -- when we are out and about, camera at home, we can still keep a practiced eye by looking for and taking note of those things that contribute towards a good image such as shapes, color and light. This week we will bring into focus those shapes and lines we touched upon last time.

Shapes and lines are everywhere of course, but it is how we bring them together in an image that can make the difference.



The triangle is a particularly strong shape and though I mentioned the obvious example last week of readily available triangles such as those in a construction crane, probably more powerful visually are triangles that you construct via composition. A simple example would be the triangle that perspective creates when looking up at a tall building, or less obvious, in a portrait of three people each head will provide the point on an implied triangle.

Squares and rectangles tend to be a little more obvious, especially in an urban setting, but perhaps a bit more difficult to employ effectively. One way these regular shapes can be used in a photograph is to divide the image into parts or to isolate a subject using framing.

Taking a portrait? Position the subject front and center of a rectangle such as a traditional Korean door or under an archway -- put them in a frame within the picture frame itself.



Something to keep in mind here is perspective distortion. Angling the camera up, down or to either side will distort your regular shape. Dramatic distortion could be intentional, but slight distortion often looks like careless photography and might need straightening in post-processing.

Shapes are of course constructed of lines, and the line by itself -- be it horizontal, vertical, diagonal or a curve -- can be effectively used to create interest in a photograph. Lines parallel to the edge of the frame are strong and help stabilize or reinforce an image. The horizon in a landscape, or palace columns in a vertically oriented photograph, for example.

Diagonals add a more dynamic feel. An impression of traffic flow will be enhanced in a shot of a busy street if it cuts diagonally across the frame. Curves are harder to find and use effectively, but like the diagonal can impart dynamism to your picture. Classic curves in Korea are the rooflines in traditional architecture, or the country roads you can see from the bus as you travel along highways between major cities.

As with shapes, lines can be implied by judicious arrangement of elements within the frame and help draw attention by leading the eye to your subject. However, don`t just shoot lines and shapes for their own sake -- try to employ these things in ways that will add interest or enhance the vision you have for a scene or subject.

Head over to the Seoul Photo Club on Flickr, post a few pics, ask a few questions and get some useful feedback on the images you are putting together.



(raisey@hanmail.net)