When you first look at the picture below, think about what your eyes do. Mine follow the line of rocks from left to right every time. They make a pathway through the picture, and our eyes are drawn to it. We circle back around and look at the whole, but the first reaction is to follow the line.
The lines can curve
They can go from bottom to top
or top to bottom.
It doesn't matter. Our eyes will follow them,
Think about it when taking pictures. Add in an element that will lead the eye where you want it to go. Handrails and fences are great for that, but any line can do the job. Notice the railing on the bus in the picture below. It leads the eye up the street, so do the lines on the pavement, so does the line of cars (even their direction), so do the walls of the buildings (especially the horizontal lines like on the Home Depot). Don't your eyes want to go right up the street?
17 comments:
Great photos. You know I'm still learning to lead readers better.
Great photos. I'm trying to think about what tricks I use to focus the readers attention. I don't know that I can consciously pick anything out. I'll definitely be thinking about that. (Might make an interesting post for my blog.)
I find the outline thing helps me stay on the right path (a lot). I love your pictures!
You take the most outstanding photos!
You're so very clever, Lotus. I love that you apply writing with photography. It's a new way of seeing something that I quite like.
Such lovely photos! I love that rock one at the beginning. Lines...yes. We hold so much power as the writer - to lead the reader where we want. Hopefully. It does take practice!
Awesome pictures! I've never thought of pictures of scenery as a means for inspiration. You've just opened up a whole new window for me!
What great pictures! I just love your tips. You should publish a tip book :-)
Very cool pictures! Funny, but all this week my boys and I have been learning about lines in art design. I'll have to show them these pictures.
Very interesting. It's funny how we follow where the line goes without even thinking about it. So cool.
Thanks everyone. I'm glad you like how I do this. I think it's fun. It'd be cool to publish a book with it, but I'm not sure my fan base is big enough. Maybe one day when I'm a famous author. Haha! *crosses fingers*
I'm going to try the answering individually and see if I can figure it out. I like how some of the people I follow do that. We'll see if I'm computer savvy enough to pull it off.
I use an outline to help me know where my characters need to get to. I also like to use misdirection. I like to make my readers believe something is going to happen and then I pull the rug out from underneath them and send the story off in a completely different direction. I like to keep them wondering. Wonderful pictures. Great post.
Oh and I received the gift card yesterday - thank you so much, I'm excited to use it.
Amazing pictures.
I tried outlining (sort of) for the very first time on this last work and it made the writing easier and I think it kept me focused, as a writer. It wasn't strict or too complex, but it was enough that I knew where I was going.
I used to always swear I was a panster .. you know, flying by the seat and not having an outline.
Now I'm rethinking it.
good thoughts .. even better images. What is it about your work that is so intriguing? I cant put a finger on it .. something artistic, angles different...I don't know, but it's lovely.
Beautiful photos. My eyes also followed the wavy pattern of the rocks in the first one.
Love the photo of the bridge especially! It's lovely :)
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