invincible summer by Papanikolaou Joanna on 500px

One of the first things I try to define when I have a potential photo composition in me is lines. And, lines are one of the first things I communicate when I look at a piece of art. Of course, this doesn’t happen only to me; our eyes are created in this way to understand perspective and search for lines and shapes in order to be oriented. 

There are many different kinds of lines one can meet in a composition. There are horizontal, vertical, diagonal, curved and implied. Every of them creates a different impression and feeling to the viewers. 

Horizontal are the lines parallel to the horizon and represent the surface of the earth according to the horizon. 

waterfront by Papanikolaou Joanna on 500px

That’s why these compositions can give us a sense of ease, relax, fun and happiness. They express stability and calmness because they are lying down and don’t disrupt or distort our vision.

Vertical lines create a sense of majesty and grandeur as they give the sense of height in the scene (Art with Heart – Assisting the Work by Ph. D. Ruth L. Cohen).

old depots by Papanikolaou Joanna on 500px

They suggest an uplifting power and a potential energy. When vertical lines are straight and parallel to the side of the photos, they express a sense of strength and stability that enhance the main subject or point of interest.

The famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi said that in nature there are no straight lines or sharp corners and therefore buildings must have neither straight lines nor sharp corners. The meaning of curves lines may vary by the form.

vision by Papanikolaou Joanna on 500px

Soft and shallow curves are more pleasant and would create a feeling of safety, relaxation and comfort. They could also express sensuality as a representation of human curves. On the other hand, deep and acute curves may cause a sense of frustration and turbulence. Moreover, S curve, the line of beauty, carries a more positive meaning of perfect grace and harmony.

Diagonal lines have a dynamic and imply action and motion, when they play a leading role in the composition and guide the viewer’s eye. 

rotonda by Papanikolaou Joanna on 500px

Especially, if they start from left bottom corner and move up to the center, they offer more depth as natural viewpoint. But, they could also represent tension and instability, if we use multiple and asymmetrical oblique lines. 

That’s why is essential to choose the proper lines in order to express our distinctive view of a scene in an ultimate way. For example, if I want to express a feeling of tension and frustration, maybe horizontal lines are not suitable. An oblique angle or sharp curves would suggest these off-balance feelings in a better way. 

never think of the whole street at once by Papanikolaou Joanna on 500px