Basic Photography Course

302.295

Figure 5-11.Silhouettes emphasize shape.

SHAPES AND LINES

Shapes and lines are important elements in

photographic composition. When properly used, shapes

and lines can create a desired effect. As a photographer,
you usually have control over the way shapes and lines
are used in your pictures.

Shape

Shape is a two-dimensional element basic to picture

composition and is usually the first means by which a

viewer identifies an object within the picture. Form is

the three-dimensional equivalent of shape. Even though
shape is only two-dimensional, with the proper
application of lighting and tonal range, you can bring
out form and give your subjects a three-dimensional
quality. Lighting can also subdue or even destroy form
by causing dark shadows that may cause several shapes
to merge into one.

Shapes can be made more dominant by placing them

against plain contrasting backgrounds; for example,

consider again the white sail against the dark water
background. The greatest emphasis of shape is achieved

when the shape is silhouetted (fig. 5-11), thus

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Basic Photography Course

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