For this exercise we were to find specific examples of vertical and horizontal lines and take photographs of them. I chose to look for lines in the city because architecture is primarily built up of these lines. Both (Freeman M, 2007) and (Shore S, 2007) both point out the fact of viewpoint on the new relationships created between three-dimensional elements transposed onto a two-dimensional plane. This is illustrated in the two photographs below.
In this first photograph horizontal lines are made up of several unconnected elements :-
- the bottom of the frams
- the grass
- the path
- the bench
- the railings
- then next patch of grass
- the trees and buildings
- the top for the frame
each of the elements are three dimentional shapes in "the real world" their own right but from this view point y form horizontal bands of texture stacked from bottom to top in a 2D plane. Andreas Gursky is a master of this type of composition as can be seen in these examples of his work:-
- 'The Rhine II', Andreas Gursky | Tate
- 'Centre Georges Pompidou', Andreas Gursky | Tate
- '99 Cents', Andreas Gursky | art in asia
To further emphasise the importance of view point further look at the second photograph
here we see the same benches forming a vertical line thorough the middle of the photograph. there are an infinite number of camera angles and view points. were we position ourselves to take the photograph has a huge impact on the final image.
“In the field, outside the controlled confines of a studio, a photographer is confronted with a complex web of visual juxtapositions that realign themselves with each step the photographer takes. Take one step and something hidden comes into view; take another and an object in the front now presses against one in the distance. Take one step and the description of deep space is clarified; take another added is obscured.” (Shore S, 2007: P48).
Horizontal Lines
Vertical Lines
Reflection
I found the first part of this exercise (horizontal) to be much easier than the second part (vertical). Whether it was because I am more used to seeing horizontal lines or the fact that I had spent a couple of hours focused (excuse the pun) on horizontal lines, when it came time to shoot verticals I couldn’t see any. Eventually I was able to capture a few vertical lines in the wild.
Now when I look at other photographers work I see some of the compositional elements that we have covered in the previous exercises. I wonder are these deliberate conscious efforts or do these concepts become so ingrained through practice and experience that the photographer composes on auto pilot. I suspect it’s a combination of both.
Continually surprised by the complexity and challenge of these exercises which on initial examination seem simple and straightforward but in many cases require for an effort to produce any kind of interesting images.