Follow the Lines

Photography.

Photography gives you a chance to share the world through your view.

To perhaps share a new angle.

A new way of thinking…

Of seeing.

Lines.

The photography challenge up for interpretation this week is lines.

While I am far from an expert when it comes to photography, lines are actually one of the things that I consider when I’m composing my shot.

Quite often, lines can add an element of interest to your photo.

Today, I thought I’d share some photography tips (examples) on how I use lines in my photos.

Photography Tip #1.

Shadows.

Not only were there lines in the porch railing, but I also liked the shadows cast by the sun streaming through the metal railings onto the snow-covered porch.

Photography Tip #2.

Fences.

If you’ve followed my photography for some time, then you are already aware that when I’m shooting nearby scenes in Virginia, I love to use fences and fence posts as a focal point to draw the eye along the scene.

Photography Tip #3.

Roads.

Roads have great lines. There can be a focus on the center line or just the shape of the road itself.

 

Both straight roads and curvy roads each have their own fascinating features.

You should always use extreme caution when shooting a roadway. I haven’t yet had the opportunity to shoot on abandoned roads. Nor have I typically been on a road that is less traveled, so rarely shoot from the center of the road.

My photo quote was in a neighborhood right after a snow so we were able to stop the Jeep and I could lean out the window.

The photo above is from an overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

If I were going to take center-of-the-street shots, I would definitely have someone with me to be my traffic eyes.

Photography Tip #4.

Lattice or Chain Link.

You can find interesting compositions almost anywhere.

Don’t be afraid to capture something that catches your eye.

Remember, everyone has different taste and beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The photo above is of a sweet pea vine growing in the wild. It’s growing along a chain link fence that provides a barrier from a parking area in downtown Roanoke and the interstate rushing along beside.

I love how lattice and chain link both create a diamond pattern.

Photography Tip #5.

Trees.

I photograph trees.

A lot.

I am not a fan of Virginia winters, but I do love to see the shapes of the trees after they’ve shed their seasonal coats of leaves.

I was on Roanoke Mountain to watch the sunset when these trees turned vibrant as the sun they were facing began to set. The moon had already made its appearance, being framed by these ancient beings rising up from the earth.

Photography Tip #6.

Landscapes and Sidewalks.

You can find lines most anywhere you look.

Many places will line sidewalks with trees or bushes. While the sidewalk itself creates lines, I love when the landscaping enhances them.

This sidewalk is in the Museumplein in Amsterdam.

These are just a few examples of how to incorporate lines into your photos.

What are some of your favorite ways to incorporate them?

Let your light shine!

Amy