sabrina’s beach
clearwater, florida
Line is considered by photographers as one of the most important building blocks of visual imagery. Expressed through length, character, orientation, thickness and in relation to other lines, this fundamental element is visible through its tone and colour and because of the area each side of the line. A line of longer length offers a greater impact. One that curves, slows down the viewer while a straight line is purposeful, and if that line is oriented in either a vertical or horizontal position, there is stability to that purpose.
My photo above reflects this simple explanation of lines, however I’ve been reading about a much more sophisticated use of Line and my fellow photog, Kathryn has kindly allowed me to use her photograph of the same scene to demonstrate this. In her image the composition is improved because of the orientation of her lines in particular the line of cabanas. While the horizon line is straight, the oblique line of cabanas adds vitality and movement which is lacking in my completely horizontal orientation. Kathryn’s image is also more emotionally powerful because of the diminishing thickness of this oblique line. The cabanas on the left are smaller than those moving to the right. This illusion of depth influences how we feel when we look at her image and in my opinion the viewer’s response is more in line with the emotions I felt at the beach.
kathryn’s beach
clearwater, florida
Effective expression through the use of Line is not easy to accomplish especially when there are multiple lines. Usually less lines in an image is preferred because the viewer is then not pulled in different directions. However in a good composition multiple lines work together to create a sense of unity. In Kathryn’s image the harmonious placement of strong contrasting lines–both between the sky and the beach and with the cabanas–results in what I would call a compelling composition. While she may think she is just a hobbyist, I know I learnt more about Line by studying her image–thanks Kathryn!
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