Create visual interest: Using lines in photography.

Learn more about using lines in your photography to create visual interest and powerful effects.

Lines in photography serve to create interest, movement, emotion and a stronger overall composition in your photos. Let’s explore how to incorporate more lines into your own photos to create interesting shots.

Where to find lines for your photography.

Lines can be both subtle and obvious. A railroad is a good example of a concrete, literal line that you can use to draw your viewer’s eye. But lines can be created in more subtle, implied ways, too, such as with light and shadows that appear on walls or sidewalks during different times of the day.

Start by paying closer attention to lines around you to improve your observation skills. Then, you can use those lines to create a powerful effect in your photos.

Different types of lines and their uses.

When looking for lines, consider what sort of feeling or reaction you want to deliver. To help you get started, here are 4 common types of lines used in photography and what each can help convey.

• Vertical lines: This line type can show power, growth, and strength and also direct the viewer’s eye upwards.
• Horizontal lines: If you want to create a sense of stability, look for horizontal lines. Our eyes follow the lines from left to right, so interrupting these lines with a subject is a great way to emphasize it.
• Diagonal lines: Search for diagonal lines when you want to create movement and tension. These lines make a photo more engaging, leading the eye to the subject.
• Converging lines: When you want to emphasize depth, converging lines will draw your viewer’s eyes to the image. A common example of this is the sides of a long straight road.

Used with intent, lines create a powerful element within your photos. Take a moment to learn even more photo tips to improve your skills.

When you’re ready to edit your raw images into epic shots, explore everything you can do with Adobe Lightroom.