Lines Shapes and Geometry Photography Practice Assignment

Lines Shapes and Geometry

This assignment focuses on the use of leading lines, shapes, and geometric elements in photography to guide the viewer's eye and create dynamic compositions. By practicing with these techniques, you'll learn how to effectively lead the viewer’s attention to your subject.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify and utilize leading lines to create depth in images.
  • Experiment with different shapes and geometric patterns in various environments.
  • Understand how to compose images that direct the viewer's attention effectively.

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Before You Shoot

  • Choose a location with interesting architectural features or natural landscapes.
  • Scout for potential leading lines such as roads, pathways, or rivers.
  • Plan your shooting times to take advantage of natural light, such as golden hour.
  • Bring a tripod for stability, especially in low-light conditions.
  • Ensure your camera settings are set to aperture priority mode or shutter priority mode.

The Assignment

Technical Focus

  • Use aperture priority mode at f/8 with ISO 200 fixed to achieve a wide depth of field.
  • Utilize shutter priority mode at 1/250s with ISO 200 fixed to capture moving elements against static lines.
  • Experiment with different angles to find the most effective lines that lead to your subject.
  • Pay attention to the framing of your shot; make sure leading lines don’t exit the frame.
  • Use a wide-angle lens to emphasize leading lines and shapes in your composition.

Creative Focus

  • Look for natural curves in your environment, such as river bends or winding paths.
  • Incorporate man-made elements like fences or roads to create structure in your images.
  • Experiment with contrasting shapes and lines to create visual interest.
  • Try to include elements that break the lines or shapes to add dynamics to your composition.
  • Capture reflections in water or glass to enhance geometric shapes in your photos.

Assignment Tasks

  1. Photograph a pathway or road that leads into the distance, using aperture priority mode at f/8 with ISO 200 fixed.
  2. Find a building with strong geometric lines and capture it from a low angle, using shutter priority mode at 1/500s with ISO 200 fixed.
  3. Explore a park and photograph different shapes created by trees, paths, or benches, utilizing aperture priority mode at f/5.6 with ISO 200 fixed.
  4. Capture the curves of a river or road, ensuring the lines lead towards your subject, using shutter priority mode at 1/250s with ISO 200 fixed.
  5. Identify and photograph a fence or wall with leading lines that guide the viewer to a focal point, using aperture priority mode at f/11 with ISO 200 fixed.
  6. Take a photo of an intersection or crossroads where multiple lines converge, using shutter priority mode at 1/125s with ISO 200 fixed.

💡 Stretch Tasks

  • Create a series of images focusing on different types of leading lines (curved, straight, diagonal) and present them as a cohesive portfolio.
  • Challenge yourself to find and photograph a location using only geometric shapes, avoiding organic lines and curves.

DO / DON'T

DO

  • ✓ Do look for lines that naturally lead to your subject.
  • ✓ Do vary your perspective to discover unique leading lines.
  • ✓ Do ensure your composition is balanced when using strong geometric shapes.
  • ✓ Do experiment with both wide and tight framing to see how it affects the leading lines.
  • ✓ Do review your images post-shoot to analyze how effectively the lines guide the viewer's eye.

DON'T

  • ✗ Don't let leading lines exit the frame, as this can distract from the subject.
  • ✗ Don't use cluttered backgrounds that may confuse the viewer’s eye.
  • ✗ Don't ignore the foreground; include elements that enhance the leading lines.
  • ✗ Don't shoot from eye level only; vary your height for more dynamic perspectives.
  • ✗ Don't forget to check your composition before pressing the shutter.

Reflection Questions

  • How did the use of leading lines impact the viewer's eye movement in your images?
  • What challenges did you face when trying to incorporate shapes and geometry in your compositions?
  • In what ways did different perspectives change the effectiveness of leading lines?
  • How does the choice of aperture or shutter speed affect the depth and clarity of the leading lines in your photos?

📚 Related Reading

Before you start, read these related blog posts to deepen your understanding:

For Foundation Plus members: Submit 3 images from this assignment for personalised feedback in your next Zoom session. You should upload to the shared Dropbox folder - link provided by Alan when you joined Foundation Plus.

Alan RangerComposition & Creative