Sometimes, though, it’s fun to break away from the norm and shoot photos of something different, such as a geometric element, as either the primary subject, or, more often, as a complement to the primary subject.
Use these tips for using geometric elements in geometric photos.
- Geometric elements can serve to “frame” the photo’s subject. For example, you can use the rectangular shape of an open window to frame the subject sitting in the windowsill. A geometric element serving as a frame doesn’t have to fill the entire photo, either. An entire circle doesn’t have to fit inside the photo, but a portion of the circle can still serve to frame the subject.
- One key geometric element to consider is a “directional line” or “leading line.” This line draws the viewer’s eye toward one area of the photo. An arc or a diagonal line is good for pulling the eye toward a main subject in the photo, for example.
- Using several geometric elements in areas of the photo away from the subject can emphasize the subject in the photo. For example, a series of geometric elements around the upper and left edges of the photo can emphasize the area of the photo with no geometric elements, where the subject is located.
- Geometric elements can help divide the space in a photograph, too. Most of the time, a space-dividing element will be a line, and it can separate two distinct textures or subject matters. With the dividing line, you’ll almost certainly want to keep the subject matter on which you want the viewer to focus on one side of the divided space or the other. You probably won’t want the subject to cross the line.
- Diagonal lines can create a sense of three dimensions in your photos, as long as those diagonal lines seem to move toward the horizon.
- With nature and landscape photos, where you don’t have a particular subject, a geometric element can essentially become the subject. For example, a curve in a river can really give your landscape photo the sense of movement. You’ll be surprised with the differences you’ll see in your landscape photos by simply finding a geometric element to emphasize in the photo.
