Leading lines to a payoff.
In my online class with the BPSOP, and in my “Stretching your Frame of Mind” workshops I conduct around the planet, we work on ways to use the elements of visual design to help take our imagery what I always refer to as “Up a notch”. In my part II class, we spend a lot of time on Line.
When thinking about the effects the psychology of Gestalt has on our imagery, one has to consider the facts about visual perception, and the methods we use to gain attention to our photography. What’s important is how we manage what the viewer perceives and processes when looking at the visual information we lay out to him in the form of a photograph. Humans rely on perception of the environment that surrounds them. Visual input is a part of our everyday life, and as photographers it’s our prime objective to present this visual information in a way that takes control of what the viewer sees when looking at our imagery.
The more ways we can have the viewer move around our composition, while at the same time leaving and entering it through the use of these concepts, the longer they will stick around. The more things we can get the viewer to discover while moving him around the frame will also keep them around longer. Isn’t that what we want?
Now let’s talk about Line. It’s the most important of all the elements. Without Line, none of the other elements would exist. You and I would cease to exist, as well as planes, trains, car, etc…why? Because we all have an outLINE. Line is a great vehicle in moving our viewer around the frame. I use it all the time in my imagery. The ultimate composition is where I’ve been able to lead the viewer around my frame to some kind of payoff at the end. Although that’s not a major criteria, it does add another layer of interest.
I don’t know about the rest of my fellow photographers, but for me, I want the viewer to look at a photo for as long as possible; at least six to eight seconds. You might not think that’s a long time but try looking at someone’s photo somtime and you’ll see that it really is.
If it doesn’t pull at some inner feeling right away, then there’s little chance that the viewer will want to spend any time on it. Using leading and directional lines is one of the quickest ways to get their attention; especilly in the form of a Vanishing Point.
Take a look at these images where I’ve taken control of what the viewer does and then I’ll often lead him to a payoff by using Line.
Visit my new website at: www.joebaraban.com, and check out my workshop schedule at the top of this blog. Come shoot with me sometime.
JoeB
