Tip of the Day: Walk the Line

Visual lines lead the viewer into your image and to your focal point. In order for your photo to say want you want it to, it’s important to know how to different types of lines affect an image’s mood.

• Vertical lines such as a tree are solid and firm and can give your image a feeling of power and stability.

• Horizontal lines such as horizon lines are more peaceful and static, and can suggest permanence and tranquility.

• Diagonal lines are active and dynamic, they create tension and bring to mind action and motion.

• Curved lines such as a reed blowing in the wind also suggest motion, but have a slower, more graceful feel.

Adapted from Composition Photo Workshop by Blue Fier (Wiley Publishing, 2007, $30)