Photo Tip Friday: Part 2 - Using Man-Made Geometric Designs in Your Photography

by Mary Denman

Last week's photography tip was learning to use natural geometric designs in your photography to capture captivating images! You can read about it here in Part 1.

This week, let's focus on looking for man-made geometric designs and how to create interesting pictures. 

Let's get started!

I really enjoy taking pictures from different or unusual angles. I like to try and see a subject from a variety of perspectives. 

One example of this is when I was attending a writing conference in Indianapolis and entered my hotel. It was a huge structure with a very interesting interior. It rose over 20 stories and had an open atrium in the middle. Not only that, but it also had very interesting lighting that changed throughout the day. And, it had a glass elevator so that you could appreciate the views. 

This shot is from the 2nd floor, looking straight up at the roof. That blue you see? It's the evening sky.

The lines on both sides? Those are the floors the rooms are on. See the elevators nearing the top of the hotel? The architects thought a lot about this design.




Over the few days I was there, I experimented with where to take pictures from. One of the most unusual series of shots I took is represented by this picture. It took a few tries, but I'm pleased with the results. Can you guess how I did this? 

I'll tell you where and how I took it in the comments section below after a couple of people guess. 









Apparently, I have a fascination with bricks. This picture is one I took in Venice, Italy. I loved the lines of the bricks converging down the alley, the closeness of the buildings, and the texture of the bricks. 











Here's another brick shot I took recently. These bricks were part of the former foundation of a cotton mill. 

But do you notice how the moss growing on the bricks softens the picture? The greens at the end of the bricks really complement the red clay color. 

How did I get this view? I leaned up against the wall so my camera was almost touching the bricks.






Today's tip is to look for man-made geometric designs and try using interesting perspectives to capture pictures that will make others pause and think. 


For cell phone users: The great thing about using a cell phone for photos is that it's so light and always available. To create the last brick picture, you would put your phone right up against the brick and then choose your focal point by touching your screen. That would be approximately where the green moss at the edge of the brick is. Go find a wall and try it!

For bloggers: These shots strike me as ones that point out how our perspective makes a big difference in what we see. While a lot of people may enjoy the hotel, how many people stop and look up? Or take the time just to enjoy the view? Or are we just in and out, hurrying from one appointment to the next? 

Hope this tip helps.

Keep on clicking!

Mary



TWEETABLE:  Use Man-Made Using Man-Made Geometric Designs in Your Photography (click to tweet)


Post Script:  I LOVE reading your comments! This past week, I've been on vacation and haven't been able to respond to everyone, but I have read them all! I hope to get back on track when I return from vacation. :)


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