Tag Archives: Shape Photography

Window Art Using Shapes and Lines

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I read an interesting article the other day about lines being the basic element of any piece of art, and it got me thinking about how often times when I’m taking macro photography shots, everything turns into lines or shapes. I also think that the reason photos become so compelling when these two elements are broken down is because lines are what draw you into the photo, or into the direction of what you want the viewer to look at, and as you get closer to your subject its shape starts to turn it into something more abstract than recognizable. Abstract photography (here are some great examples) can make you think a little bit more about how something was created or the texture of an object you wouldn’t normally notice. I tend to think of a zoomed in leaf that displays all the ridges, lines and hairs that you usually overlook.  

The photo below is my examination of the shapes and lines in a glass window.

Glass window macro view

At a zoomed in angle the texture almost looks like water. The overcast sky that day helped accentuate the grooves in the glass too.

Glass Window Photography

This photo accentuates the shapes in the window, almost resembling a "holy" image I feel.

I made sure to line up this photo in between the shadows formed by the house outside to accentuate certain parts of the window and hide others.

So the next time you take a walk with your camera, before you snap the picture look around at the “lines” in front of you and see how you might be able to use them to add something to your next shot by working with them rather than against them.

Glass Window Photography

Shape Photography: Part II

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One of the most essential elements in your photographs are the shapes you choose to include. You can make your photograph’s focal point stand out by placing it against an uncluttered background, like the sky. If you are unable to do this, just make sure that your subject or shape is very powerful, otherwise it will become lost. Here are a few photos I took today with shape in mind.
It’s not very difficult to see why I chose this building for this project. I only took a few photos at this location though, because “Security” had to kindly ask me to leave : /

Here’s the same building, but from another more abstract angle.

I really liked this one, so I tried it in black and white. The key to black and white though, is to make sure you have enough contrast around your edges. One technique you can use is the “burn” tool to achieve defined edges in a black and white photograph, which I’ll probably demonstrate in a upcoming tutorial.

Knobs on a historic fire truck.

I used the vintage truck shape as a focal point, which also leads your eye toward the girl on the bike.

Bicycles parked at a bike shop.

Hope you enjoyed my shape photography!

Shape Photography, Part I

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I received a wind chime as a wedding gift from a very dear friend not too long ago, and now that I got it out of the box and into the light, I realized how beautiful it was! I couldn’t resist taking a couple photos of it, especially because the colors and shape of it seemed like an opportunity to get some great angles on a gift that brings such great music every day.

I also realized that there’s a lot of great shapes, textures and abstract angles that you can find in every day objects. I particularly gravitate towards this type of photography, as you’ll notice, so I think I’ll dedicate a few posts to this type of photography in particular in the coming future. But for now, here’s Part I.

Love the detail.