Photo Tip Friday: 3 Tips for Using Strong Lines in Your Photography

by Mary Denman     @MaryDenman

Do you ever wonder what makes a compelling photograph? One way to catch attention is with strong lines. Used well, they make a picture stand out.

If you look around, you can probably find them right where you are. 

Let's look at some examples.

PHOTO 1: Stairs and snow by Mary Denman Photography

PHOTO 1: As I was climbing these stairs, in the snow, the stairs themselves caught my eye. Why? Because of the symmetry, strong lines, color, and roughness of the stones in contrast to the snow. Not only is the falling snow soft and round, but the collecting snow is uneven. This helps create contrast between the two objects. 

The color of the stones is actually a fairly warm brown, again, in contrast to the cold, white snow. 

In photo 1, the predominant lines run horizontally. 

Photo Tip Friday

Strong Lines  Part 2

Today's tip involves using strong lines in your photography. The last time I discussed it, I focused on using nature's lines. In going through my shots, I noticed that man made strong lines juxtaposed with nature produces some great results. 

So let's take a look at how to use man made and natural settings to create great photography. 

This is a shot taken at the beach. See the white stuff? Yes, it's snow. Part of why I took this shot is because of the great lines. And the snow. And the blue sky. And the dune grasses. It was just eye catching. 

Here's another shot where man's work and nature meet. 

The lines of the fences draws your eyes to the horizon. 

I loved the foot prints, too. 

Here's a different look. 

The silhouette of the church pops out because of the beautiful colors of the sunset. 

What I love about this is how the morning glory just grows up the fencing. 

As a kid, I used think of morning glory as weeds. It was cool that they closed at night. But they were still weeds.

Now, I just love them. They're so delicate and interesting. 

See how the vine snakes around the fencing? Again, it's the juxtaposition that makes an interesting shot. 

And leave a comment if you have a photography related question. I'll be happy to answer any questions I can or find you the answers if I don't know! 

Leave me a link to your blog in the comments if you'd like to show me one of your shots! 

I hope this tip helps. 

Keep on clicking!

Mary