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Dynamic Diagonals is the subject for this month’s “Exploring with a Camera” series from Kat Eye Studio. Kat has written an article full of useful information detailing how the use of diagonal lines can improve your composition.
Since celebration of line is a primary theme in my work, I found numerous images where diagonals are the dominant element of the composition.
This staircase is an example of a “primary diagonal” – a line that moves from the top left to the bottom right of an image. Visual interest and complexity is added by the zig-zag in the stair design. The strong horizontal elements in the background and the subtle vertical patterns etched into the concrete add contrast to the strong diagonal.
Almost an optical illusion, this tennis court image is a complex weave of myriad diagonals, an interplay between the net and its shadow. The primary diagonal is the white line, which slices through the green and black grid from left to right, cutting the image into two triangular shapes. The opposing diagonal, formed by the base of the net plus its shadow, runs from the bottom left corner to the top of the image. This line marks the boundary between the “thing” (the net) and its shadow. This interplay creates visual tension between the elements.
Again, the primary diagonal, from upper left to bottom right, is used to draw you into and through this image. This diagonal was created by my position relative to the ceiling elements – this point-of-view results in the illusion of lines converging into the distance. Multiple patterns – the columns, the inset ceiling rectangles - provide rhythm and repetition to the image.
Another complex interwoven pattern, this image has a simple white and blue color scheme. The diagonal shadows form a rhythmic pattern across the bottom horizontal, moving our eye across the image and serve as the connection between the solid blue stripe at the base to the intricate grid at the top. A square crop adds to the symmetry.
The diagonals in this image were created by my perspective and point-of-view - a position where it seems as if the two walls intersect. Very subtle lighting give volume and sheen to the metal siding. This image contains multiple opposing diagonals, which keep the eye moving around the image.
Diagonals are a key element of my shadow images. In many cases, it is the way shadow lines intersect and interact that draws my eye in the first place - the way separate elements in the real world become something entirely different as shadows. Here open metal stairs and their railing knit together into a wondrous crosshatching, composed within the frame to highlight the profusion of diagonal lines.
Lines are my photographic language. They are the way I communicate; the way I show you what I see. Thanks to Kat for this opportunity to “speak in diagonals”.
Linking with Exploring with a Camera
13 Comments
Hi Brenda,
Well that’s a great series of diagonals, they’re very dynamic indeed and you seem to have an excellent eye for this exercise!
Yes, your certainly speak in diagonals and they’re all excellent! I have a soft spot for the last one created by shadows. Most fascinating!
19 Apr 2012 07:04 am Sandra (@Twitter)
Um. Wow. This is like A+ of diagonals…in my humble opinion. Fantastic images and explanations. These are awesome images. My fave is the tennis net-that is a winner-enter it somewhere, somewhere where there are cash prizes!
19 Apr 2012 09:04 am Susan (@Twitter)
Oh. My. Brenda, you are the queen of diagonals! I am blown away by these images. Such great examples of effective diagonal lines in abstract compositions. In reviewing my work, I noticed to how shadows play into bringing the diagonal line into our images. They are a wonderful source of line! Thanks so much for linking this into Exploring with a Camera.
19 Apr 2012 09:04 am Kat Sloma (@Twitter)
Brenda, I immediately thought of you when I saw that Kat’s theme was diagonal lines. I knew this would be an easy theme for you since lines are so predominant in your images. What a great set of examples — you really are the “queen of diagonals”! The tennis court image really did blow me away too — fabulous!!
19 Apr 2012 10:04 am Gina (@Twitter)
[...] more here: What's Your Angle? | How to Feather an Empty Nest Tagged with: between-the-net • black-grid • complex-weave • myriad-diagonals [...]
Your images always impress me, and I think this post and your examples of diagonal lines is one of the best.
19 Apr 2012 06:04 pm Deborah (@Twitter)
Wow, These diagonals are stunning! Diagonals are definitely your first language. I particularly love your tennis net shot, so interesting.
20 Apr 2012 06:04 am Leanne (@Twitter)
On the one hand fascinatingly academic and insightful–on the other, remarkably beautiful. Absolutely masterful series Brenda and very inspiring.
20 Apr 2012 10:04 am Christopher (@Twitter)
Your work just knocks my socks off! I don’t know which image I love most. Each is compelling. Each is exquisitely beautiful. Your images just take my breath away, Brenda. And, I needed that, as we head into the weekend – some breathtaking beauty to carry me forward..Thank you, and have a lovely weekend, my friend…
20 Apr 2012 04:04 pm Juli (@Twitter)
An excellent lesson on the use of diagonals. So very helpful. Your examples and explanations are so very good. Thanks.
20 Apr 2012 05:04 pm Anita Bower (@Twitter)
You’re a true master at seeing light and shape and form. Love the diagonals you’ve found and created here. Terrific series!
22 Apr 2012 03:04 pm Marcie (@Twitter)
Amazing, beautiful diagonals. I love all of them but I think the first one and the tennis court are my favourite.
26 Apr 2012 05:04 am Becs (@Twitter)
Amazing set of diagonal images!! Oh yes, you’re the best at lines! I knew you would have some wonderful images to share!! I love how your images like the tennis net and the blue and white make me stop, really study the image to understand what I’m seeing!! Fantastic job!!
27 Apr 2012 10:04 am Cathy H. (@Twitter)
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