lens-artists: lines, colors and patterns

Photo composition is an essential element of any photographic image. A photograph has only two essential elements, subject, and composition (not camera settings). By composition, we refer to the way we place all the elements of the photograph inside the four sides of our frame. ~George Tatakis

Lines are horizontal, vertical, diagonal, organic, and implied. Ted Forbes  (The Art of Photography) wrote that while lines don’t actually exist in nature they are most likely the most basic element of visual composition. He further noted:

Lines serve many purposes in visual composition. They can divide the composition, they can direct the viewers eye, they can define shapes and they can make a statement to the feel or interpretation of the image by the viewer. Line’s speaking to the feel of a composition is extremely important.

For me going beyond the intellectual understanding of color theory: that is, to feel, see, sense, and be engaged with the multiple interactions of color within an image is a challenge.

It is my understanding that patterns are the repetition of shapes that are pretty basic and similar to each other. We will see them repeating at regular intervals within nature, design, works of art, architecture, and photography.

Thank you John (journeyswithJohnbo) for this invitation to refresh my understanding of these three tools of composition

17 thoughts on “lens-artists: lines, colors and patterns”

  4. You’ve certainly met the challenge head on, Brenda! My favorite is that architectural image featuring lines, patterns, and colors in telling your photo story. I also enjoyed the composition of the snow fence.

  5. Funny to think lines don’t actually exist in nature. Maybe that’s why we are attracted to the notion of finding them. It is a goal to not only engage in a space ourselves, as photographers, but to also bring others in to engage with our work. You pulled that off nicely.

    While it seems the fence is a fave, and I love it, it is the bike rider that speaks to me. It initiates wonder.

    1. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about engaging self as photographers as well as others. I agree, the bike rider speaks of wonder.

  6. Nice images, Brenda. A good response to this week’s challenge. Your sense of composition is excellent. I especially like the way the arched branch frames the mountains in the distance.

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