“How is this done?,” you may ask.  Light is the key.  Always observe the light carefully when photographing.  If you are taking a portrait, analyze how the light plays on your subject, how it wraps around your subject.  If you are taking a landscape, be aware of where the sun is and how it is illuminating your scene.  The more conscious you are of the light, the better your photographs will be.

There are two characteristics of shape.  Shape can be geometric or organic.  Geometric shapes include squares, rectangles, circles, and diamonds and are usually man-made.  Organic shapes are irregular or asymmetrical and are usually found in nature.  Like lines, repeated shapes make patterns as well.

When photographing or composing, shape can be a key element to your artwork.  So look for shapes in your environment.  You may find many interesting shapes to photograph!

We will begin this week by talking about line.  Line is a continuous point moving  in space with an identifiable path.  It is one-dimensional and can define the edges of shapes and forms.  Different lines have different characteristics and communicate varying things to the viewer.

Horizontal lines can show repose and calmness.  In landscapes, they can also give the sense of space. Vertical lines can give a sense of height and enhanced proportions.

The combination of horizontal and vertical lines suggest stability and reliability.  Structures, such as buildings and chests, with 90-degree angles suggest permanence.

Diagonal lines communicate a feeling of movement.  They can also be used to show perspective.  They can also lead the eye to a certain point or subject.  Curved lines convey energy and can also lead the eye.  Zig zag lines also convey energy, but in a more unstable way.

Repeated lines can create patterns and make for some interesting compositions.  Next time you are out with your camera, try looking for different kind of lines and see how they can affect the composition of your photographs.