Create Interesting Photograph with Points and Lines

When looking at a photograph, our eyes naturally move around the image from point to point. The photographer must understand how to direct the viewer's eye to the focal point of the photo. When designing a photograph, the photographer needs to learn how to place elements in the composition of the photo. By placing elements in the desired positions, the viewer's eyes will be directed to the focal point and remain within the frame of the photo. Placing distractions or directional lines too close to the edge can actually make the viewer's eyes wander away from the photo.

Point and lines are the most basic elements when designing a photograph. Points are formed when lines change direction or intercept. The eye is naturally drawn to these areas. Points can also be graphic areas in the photo such as lights or a skyline. A good photo will have one main focus point where the eye will naturally be drawn. This focal point is the main idea of the photo and the most important aspect.

Points are connected by lines. Lines can be visible, such as a fence or road, or invisible. When the eye travels between two points in the picture, this makes a line. When a person or animal in a photo is looking at another object, this creates a line even though there isn't a physical line on the photo. The viewer will naturally follow the subject's gaze to see what they are looking at.

Lines can also be made of objects. Using lines has three distinct advantages in photography. Intersecting lines create points. The edges of lines make shapes. Perhaps most importantly for the interest of a photo, the viewer's eyes can be directed to a focal point using lines.

Lines can have an emotional impact on the viewer as well. The "s-curve" is a strong line. It creates a carefree and gentle feeling to the photo. An s-curve is a slower moving line that takes its time to reach the end rather than follow a straight line.

Straight lines are also used when composing a photograph. They are stable and solid, like a wide horizon line. A vertical line divides the picture into frames and can make the photo appear unstable if one side is bigger than the other.

Angled lines evoke energy into a photo. Jagged lines that mimic broken glass or teeth are jagged lines that humans have related to throughout the years.

The challenge of taking a great photograph is to use these lines and points to create an interesting photograph. Using different elements to create lines and points can turn an average photo into an amazing photo. The elements and composition should match the general theme behind the photo. When trying to portray a peaceful theme, avoid using jagged lines in design.

When composing the photograph, look for lines and points that will direct the eyes. Sometimes these lines are very subtle and hard to see. When you can use these lines to direct the eye to the focal point, you can have stronger, more appealing photos.