How to Use Converging Lines to Enhance Photographs

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:UseConvergingLinesEnhancePhotographs
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How to Use Converging Lines to Enhance Photographs

Introduction

Lines have the ability to add interest to your photos and draw the eye to your subject. Railroad tracks, roads or even a sidewalk can draw the eye where you want it to go in a photo. Other things to look for when positioning your camera are pathways, fences, stairs, power lines or anything that runs parallel into the distance or that converge.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Converging Parallels

Things You'll Need

  • Camera
  • Film or memory card
  • Creative eye

Steps

1

Step One

Experiment with positioning. Center parallel lines in the shot or run the lines diagonally through the frame.
2

Step Two

Try different lenses. A wide-angle lens can change the entire impact of the shot.
3

Step Three

Create a focal point by drawing the eye into the shot toward the converging lines.
4

Step Four

Keep the convergence inside the frame so it doesn't seem unbalanced.
5

Step Five

Add interest to the convergence. If you're using railroad tracks, include a train; if you're using a road, include a car.

Converging verticals

Steps

1

Step One

Angle the lens level with the horizon, and take a photo of the building from farther away. You can always crop out the bottom part of the photo later.
2

Step Two

Shoot full-frame photos with a wide-angle lens. This will make the lines converge over a shorter distance, lessening distortion.
3

Step Three

Correct vertical converging lines using photo-editing software such as Adobe Photoshop if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

  • Take the photo from halfway up the building.
  • Fix barrel and pin-cushion distortion with a software application such as LensDoc from Andromeda Software.
  • Use Adobe Photoshop Elements to correct the convergence with a wide-angle lens.
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