Let’s keep one thing straight
There is nothing worse than a photo of the sea with a crooked horizon line, and there is an explanation for it.
When we see a photograph with a horizon that is crooked, even slightly by a few degrees, our brain simply rejects it and tries to correct it. It works on a subconscious level.
This is the reason that the first and most fundamental rule of landscape photography is to keep the horizon straight.
A gorgeous straight horizon (and a family photo) I took a few years ago in The Cottages, Bettystown.
But how about product photography -or any other photographs really...How important are lines? In my opinion, absolutely crucial. I always, without exemption double check with guides that my lines are straight.
Make sure the table, the product, the props, the elements in the background, the window…they are ALL straight. It is simply pleasing to the eye and super easy to correct on your editing app if you got it wrong.
Let’s have a look at some examples:
Look for lines within your photos, and make sure they are straight.
Photo from a branding session with Irish Ceramicist Chloe Dowds.
These lines on the door would send the brain into overdrive if they were not straight, even in the slightest!
The lovely Danielle from Naturally at The Wrens Nest in her workshop at Heritage House in Abbeylix.
Keep in mind that if several product photos need to be displayed together, or will be seen together in your website’s listing, for example, having perfectly aligned lines will be essential.
Image of recent work for L’Art du Chocolat. Absolutely exquisite products!
One of my favourite accounts on Instagram that illustrate perfect lines and compositions are Present and Correct. Soooo satisfying!!
Once you are aware of how the lines play a role in your images, you may enjoy experimenting with leading lines, which is really fun.
These lines draw the viewer's eye in a specific direction or towards a designated portion of the photograph.
This is an image I took for The Bridge Inn in Chapelizod. See how you can direct the viewer across the bridge all the way into the lit building by using leading lines.
Another example of leading lines, based on single point perspective. Also taken for The Bridge Inn in Chapelizod.
One of my favourite examples of leading lines in a landscape…Beautiful country views that I took at The Yurt in County Kildare.
Some practical tips that may help:
Turn on the grid on your camera so you have a reference to follow.
Adjust the cropping to make sure your lines are straight.
If you use photoshop, use the guides against your lines and adjust using the transform tool.
This is one of those things that once you know they cannot be unseen. So please, keep those lines straight and the brain happy!
Before you go, can you do me a favour and tell me in the comments what app or software do you use to edit your photos? That way I can give you more specific tips in future articles. Thanks!
PS. If you are stuck for ideas of images you can create for your social media this week, check this article.
Until next week,
Ana x
