With all the amazing technology and new equipment, it is easy to get lost in a sea of tech. New cameras, lenses, lights…I love getting new gear! But when it comes to image making, I always try to remember that these new tools help me pursue my creative vision….they do what I tell them to do, I need to supply the creativity. One of the best things I did starting out as a photographer was read books on design. The elements of design…line, shape, form, texture, pattern and color are the variables we use in creating images. Learning how aspects of design affect the viewer is the first step in mastering visual literacy and fulfilling your creative ideas.
One of the most basic design elements, and powerful, is line. Horizontal lines imply a lack of movement and stability, while diagonal lines imply movement and tension. The eyes uses lines to move through an image, and creates flow and order in a cluttered image. Look for line when composing an image, and use it to draw the viewer through your image. These two images both use line to draw the viewer through the image; they provide a ‘visual sidewalk’ for the viewer to stroll through the image and enjoy the ride.