Two for the price of one in this week’s Project52 update. As I’m falling behind with the weekly posts, this post will cover both the week 7 and week 8 images. The theme for week 7 is leading lines and for week 8, negative space.
Week 7 – Leading Lines
Leading lines are a powerful compositional tool in photography. They help guide the viewer’s eye through an image, creating depth, perspective, and visual interest. These lines can be naturally occurring, such as roads, rivers, fences. They could also be architectural elements, or they can be deliberately framed within a scene. By directing attention to a focal point, leading lines help establish a sense of movement and storytelling within an image.
My Project52 Week 7 Image
This image is taken in the Peak District, Derbyshire. I was out for the day with a friend to shoot a different location and the path to our final destination passed the tunnel entrance.
While not a particularly creative or unique image, it did mean that I went away and did a little research. This image shows an entrance (or portal in railway terms) to the Totley Tunnel. Other than that small piece of information, I had no idea where it went and what it was used for.
For me, this is a key part of photography, telling a story or encouraging people to look beyond the image. If, like me, you want to know more about the tunnel, you can check out the wikipedia article.
Week 8 – Negative Space
Negative space refers to the empty or unoccupied areas surrounding the main subject. This can help to create a sense of simplicity, balance, and emphasis. By giving the subject room to breathe, negative space can enhance visual impact, evoke emotion, and guide the viewer’s focus. It is especially effective in minimalist compositions, where the contrast between the subject and its surroundings creates a striking effect.
To use negative space effectively, you should consider several things. Use uncluttered backgrounds, wide framing, and strategic placement of the subject within the rule of thirds or central compositions. This technique can add a sense of isolation, calmness, or even drama, depending on how it is applied.
My Project52 Week 8 Image
This image is taken at a nature reserve. A copse of fir trees grows on an island in the middle of a pond. It serves as a heronry to a colony of grey herons. Again, this isn’t a particularly creative image but it does use negative space effectively. Placing the heron to the left of the frame while it gazes to the right lends a sense of intrigue to the image. As I view the image, I wonder what has captured the Heron’s attention. It makes me imagine what is just outside the frame. I also wonder what the bird is focused on.
Wrapping Up This Project52 Update
As i said right at the start of this post, I’m struggling with free time. I am trying to create new images each week for this years Project52 but life is not cooperating. I was thankful when my friend contacted me about a potential outing. It was a happy accident that we were both not working that day and would have some free time.
I like landscape photography for the simple reason that I can be alone but sometimes we need to be pushed to actually go out an shoot. It’s all too easy when you plan something alone to find excuses not to do it. When you make arrangements with someone else, it’s much harder to back out. We all need a little motivation sometimes and I look forward to more joint outings this year.
As always, thanks for stopping by and taking time to read my ramblings. If you have any questions or advice, please leave me a comment below.
See you in the next Project52 update.
