As we’ve seen so far, lines add dimension and texture to a photo. This is especially true with curves. The “S” curve is the most obvious example and will usually make a strong element in a photograph but don’t limit yourself by looking only for this. Many scenes present natural curves and lines which are easy to notice once you train your photographer’s eye.

Curves suggest movement, sometimes even acceleration. Undulating curves can be flowing, graceful and elegant.

Notice in the following examples that some curved lines are implied because of the angle of the camera while other curves are boldly featured as the focal point of the photo acting as a leading line.

Horizontal and vertical lines draw their feeling of tranquility and strength from alignment within the picture frame. Diagonal lines are completely free from this restraint suggesting an unresolved feeling of dynamic tension and expressing a stronger sense of direction, speed and activity.

The sense of instability in a photo increases by widening the angle as it relates to the longer side of the frame. Parallel diagonal lines strengthen the effect and multiple angles express maximum energy.

As we saw with leading lines, diagonal lines also encourage the eye to follow along in a certain direction. Our perception turns actual parallel lines into diagonal converging lines bringing a sense of depth and distance to photos.

Even when the scene suggests shooting for horizontal or vertical lines, don’t be afraid to turn the camera to capture an oblique shot. Doing so lets you control the amount of angle introduced to the photo.

As you look through the following gallery, think about how you might use diagonal lines to bring a more dynamic feel to your photography.

The most common vertical lines we see in photography are buildings, trees and people. Tilting the camera up to shoot tall buildings results in converging vertical lines. Be sure to keep the building balanced in the shot to avoid making it look as though it is leaning.

Vertical lines express a feeling of permanence and stability, particularly when shooting rock formations and tall structures. Photographs that accentuate height can lend an impression of growth and power.

While images with strong verticals often lend themselves to being shot in portrait format, it isn’t a hard rule as you will see in the following examples. Just be sure to keep the vertical lines parallel to the sides of the frame as much as possible.

Look over the following examples to give you inspiration for your next photography outing.