Line, Shape and Form
Line, Shape and Form
Understanding shape and form is hugely important for giving
the photograph depth and three dimensional effects. “A photograph will
teleport that same object into a two-dimensional world — but despite the
absence of a sense of touch and dropping a dimension, that same photograph can
still manage to exemplify that object’s shape or even the texture.”2 This is because of the details visible,
the perspective and the use o
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| Figure 1: Symmetrical Balance |
Shape - A shape is two dimensional and appears to have no depth. This can be
achieved through front or backlighting. This can refer to three dimensional
objects that appear two dimensional or flat in a photograph.
Geometric Shapes - This refers to shapes that have straight, defined edges, which is
often seen in man made objects, such as architecture
Organic Shapes - These are the shapes that have curves and imperfections, most
commonly found in nature, like petals and trees
Positive Shapes - The subject of the photograph, usually in the foreground
Negative Shapes - The surrounding, empty space around the positive shape which usually sits in the background
Form - Form is a shape that
has a three dimensional appearance even in a photograph. This can be through
lighting, which creates shadows, or perspective, as looking at an object from
an angle rather than straight on shows it has other sides and is therefore 3D.
Pattern - A pattern consists of
repeated lines, shapes or forms. They give a sense of calm, however if broken
or disrupted, can create a sense of unease. They also add extra information and
context to the photograph.
Texture - Texture can be
heightened by light in Photography and they give depth to the object. The extra
information in the photograph gives it a more realistic and meaningful
atmosphere.
Line - Lines can either be
edges of shapes, form shapes of their own or be implied and not physically in
the photograph. They are important as they lead the eye around the photograph
and “serve as a powerful compositional tool”1.
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| Figure 2: Josh Dunlop, Leading Lines |
Converging lines
These are lines that meet at a
point within photographs. They are good at creating depth and make the viewer
feel like they are inside the scene. They are also a great technique to use to
make direction and movement and to lead the viewer’s eye to your chosen focal
point. By placing a subject in the foreground, with converging lines behind
them, you can create multiple contrasting points of interest. They also create
a good sense of depth and distance.
Horizontal lines
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| Figure 3: Differing Camera Heights, Expert Photography |
In every composition, horizontal lines will be a part, whether it’s in
the subject, the horizon or the framing. Horizontal lines can be used to group
together elements of photographs and highlighting details, such as direction or
location. To make them more interesting you could use broken horizon lines that
intersect with the foreground. They give a sense of stability, which combined
with strong materials or things that imply strength, can make a powerful
photograph. Horizontal lines help to create perspective, however placing the
camera at different heights will change the drama of the perspective as shown
in the picture of cans. They can also be seen in contrast which creates a
“strong sense of direction and movement”2.
Vertical lines
Vertical lines are less important than
horizontal lines aesthetically. This is because our eyes scan a photo from left
to right, but they are great at complementing each other when perpendicular.
They can be used to create tension in a photograph. However it depends on the
subject; a tall tree would appear spiritual and uplift, where as a building
from the same perspective could appear dominating and powerful. Vertical lines
can be used to frame a scene and draw focus to it as well as to create depth,
with the lines getting smaller further into the photograph. When presenting
repeated vertical lines, to create a sense of infinity, they should completely
fill the frame to give no beginning or end.