Elements of Art in Photography – Line

LINE is the most versatile of all of the Elements of Art. We can use line in many ways in photography – to suggest contrast, shape, movement, direction, pattern, rhythm, distance, and more. Differences in width, length and direction of line can impact their meaning and the viewer’s response to them.

In art theory, the Principles of Design represent HOW we use the Elements of Art (our TOOLS: line, colour, shape, form, texture, value and space) to create art and connect with the viewer.

Over the coming months, we’ll be adding to this series on the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. This theory is just as relevant to your day-to-day client work as it is to a creative or conceptual image. It will help you to create stronger images, based on the foundations of art theory.

You might also like: Creating Images with Impact – Newborn Posing

Using Line in Photography

Use of line can generate psychological responses. For example, curved lines often evoke a sense of calm or restfulness. Conversely, jagged lines may suggest tension or urgency.

Lines can draw attention to subjects, or to portray abstract ideas. Consider the use of lines in a subject’s pose, in scenery, in styling elements, in shadow & highlight, and so on.

Thick or heavy lines might say bold or lack of subtlety, while a thin line might say refined, or even frail.

Lines can be used to frame and unify, or to divide and separate elements within an image.

Leading lines can direct the viewer’s eye through a scene to a point of interest – and they can do so with a sense of urgency with direct, straight lines, or at a relaxed pace with fluid, curved lines.

So how we use line, and in fact all the Elements of Art, determines the emotions we convey and their impact on the stories we tell.

Assessing Line in Photography

The elements within an image, combined with the way you organise them, determines the message or mood the image is sending.

These 2 stock images are both heavy with lines, but convey different moods and messages. With the Elements and Principles of Art & Design in mind, consider the images below.

• Which elements and principles can you identify?
• How do they make you feel?
• Where are they directing you within the image?

Elements of Art: line, colour, shape, form, texture, value and space

Principles of Design: balance, movement, pattern, repetition, rhythm, proportion, variety, emphasis, contrast

IMAGE ONE

• The shattered glass contains many strong, straight lines (element), heavily contrasted against the blue coloured (element) background.
• These lines have a sense of rhythm (principle) in their repetition – and the variety in that repetition makes the lines dynamic, adding tension.
• The leading lines use movement (principle) to lead the viewer to the impact point – their long, direct path adds urgency.
• The brightness (element of colour) and texture (element) of the impact point create emphasis (principle), telling the viewer, “Look here! This is where the action happened. This is where the story began.”

At the same time, BECAUSE they are such powerful elements, strong lines can also create distractions. This is why we often find trees, manmade structures, and horizons to be competing for attention with the subject/s. Art theory helps you to choose appropriate composition, depth of field, and so on, to direct attention to the main point of interest in your image.

IMAGE TWO

• The curved lines (element) in these ripples convey a sense of calm. There is no urgency in the image and we’re left to explore the frame at our own pace.
• For those who read from left to right, the diagonal angle and movement (principle) of the lines leads us in an upward direction. This often creates a positive, uplifting psychological response to an image.
• The similar colour tones (element) create a sense of unity & balance (principle).

However, this image lacks a key point of emphasis (principle). An object in a contrasting (principle) colour/texture (element) in the upper right quarter of the frame, would add interest. Placed where these lines lead the eye would tell the viewer that it is the most important element within the frame. Like a fullstop at the end of the sentence, it would hold them from exiting the frame with the upward lines.

Now it’s Your Turn..

Explore these 2 images from Kelly Brown to assess how line has been used for visual impact and to add to the narrative of each story. Keep all the Elements and Principles of Art & Design in mind as you consider the images.

Elements of Art: line, colour, shape, form, texture, value and space

Principles of Design: balance, movement, pattern, repetition, rhythm, proportion, variety, emphasis, contrast

IMAGE THREE

IMAGE FOUR

Conclusion

Assessing your own and other photographers’ images will help you develop your understanding of art theory. This will lead you to create stronger images with greater impact in both your daily client work, and any creative or conceptual imagery you plan to develop. An understanding of this language will also help you interpret and learn from peer image critique and awards judging to help you take your photography further.

You might also like: Creating Images with Impact – Newborn Posing