Lines and Curves, Even though a photograph is a two dimension form; basically it consists of lines; curves; pattern or forms that can evoke a three dimension impression. For example a horizontal line can evoke a quiet atmosphere or a horizon. Vertical lines can evoke a dynamic impression especially when the photo is in portrait orientation; it can evoke a strong sensation and emphasize the height. For example the high buildings; the trees; and the objects which are shot from a very low shooting angel. And the diagonal lines are the most fantastic lines for the viewers. It evokes a depth perspective and dynamic character of the photo to life.

Horizontal line

When you photograph a horizon of landscape view; don not divide the frame equally into two areas between the sky and the landscape. The photo will not appear dynamic; it’s a bad landscape photo. An example of the nature horizontal line is the horizon that is evoked by the intersection between the sky and the sea level in the distance landscape. On the below photo; I gave one third area of the sky to provide a wider area of the sea to emphasize the beauty of the wave reaching the coast. There were many people playing with the waves of the sea when I captured this moment. I was waiting some time before the wave reached the coast that made them run to avoid the strong wave. See also the rules of thirds in photography composition techniques.

nature horizontal line is the horizon

When it is sunset or sunrise the color combination of the sky consists of red; yellow and orange. You can provide a broader area of this dramatic color and less area for the landscape. When the sky is clear; tiny lines of the horizon forms reddish layers to evoke such a rhythm and patterns to your landscape photos.

the color combination of the sky consists of red; yellow and orange

But if the sky is grey; give less area of the grey sky and a broader area of landscape; or probably you don’t need to put the grey sky as the element of your landscape photo. The grey cloud is not good enough in the photo; you can find broader area of the landscape that forms a good texture something like the blue sea or the lake. See also the landscapes photography.

ex Mining pit - east Borneo

Vertical Lines Vertical lines are usually evokes a strong and dynamic sensation. You can combine vertical line with horizontal line to form a good picture. When we are thinking about vertical lines, we will think about the tree; the high buildings; waterfalls and human. Therefore; if we want to evoke a tall and strong impression, we can change the photo into vertical format – portraits. We will get an optimal form and evoke a strong impression as we want. For example a waterfall on the below photo is oriented in portrait; besides the waterfall itself is tall enough about 20 to 30 meters; the portrait orientation evokes a height impression. Shutter speed was set to small (1/10); creates a soft impression on the waterfall and small aperture provides wide detail of the landscape. See also exposure technique

Jantur Inar - east borneo

You can also evoke a height impression to a tree or human by applying very low shooting angle and portrait orientation. The below photo evokes height impression on the tree and a vertical line impression as if it broke through out of the frame.

very low shooting angle and portrait orientation

The lens used is Canon standard zoom lens EFS 17-85 mm; focal length is 17 mm; ISO speed 100; aperture f/9 and picture style is ‘Clear’ (user defined downloaded from Canon).

Diagonal Lines

Diagonal lines are very interesting and attractive especially when you combine them with the curve lines. They are very attractive on the frame, and become point of interest. You need to avoid dividing the frame into two parts equally when playing with diagonal lines from one corner to another. It will become a bad composition. It would be more attractive when those diagonal lines running from one side of the frame to the opposite side of the frame. This way will result a more balance image result.

avoid dividing the frame into two parts equally

When you are in the beach you can find both horizontal and diagonal nature lines together. The horizontal line can be found from the intersection between sea surface and the sky at the distance that create a horizon. The diagonal line can be found from the wave that reaches the beach. The two girls react to anticipate the coming wave reaching them. This action affirms the moment of playing with the wave.

horizontal and diagonal nature lines

Suggested readings:

• Image cropping tips – correcting for balance composition
• Rhythm and pattern in the photo – composition
• Remove distractions – to strengthen the point of interrest