Using lines (2.3)

Requirement

2 photographs

Purpose

To show how to use implied lines to energise an image

Technical learning

• The eye follows a line. 
• It also tries to create a line(s) from appropriate suggestions: the brain and the eye work together to resolve incomplete forms
• 4 most common clues that create implied lines are – (a) a row of points (or objects) (b) the extension of a line(s) that points in a certain direction (the eye keeps on traveling) (c) the extension of visible movement (a car moving, a person walking) (d) the direction of the human gaze (eye line)
• Lines can animate an image, most effectively by using diagonals and curves and particularly if the movement is outward, i.e. it leads the eye towards the frame. The eye the moves back into the frame to see more. This to-and-fro effect creates tension and activity

Project and review

Look at 2 pictures in manual: show the implied lines in a small sketch. Find any 3 photos of your own and perform the same analysis.  Take 2 photographs that use the following implied lines to lead the eye: (a) an eye line, (b) extension of a line, or lines that point.


Photographer with model

The gaze of the photogarpher at his model sets
up an implied line. It would have been stronger
if she was looking directly at him and her eyes
were visible in the image

Close up of war memorial, Vivary Park, Taunton

The S of the names creates 
an implied line that reaches beyond 
the top of the frame