Vertical lines give a sense of strength and grandeur. Knowing how to use vertical lines in photo composition is an important topic in beginner photography.
A lot of times they have been used effectively in photographic archaeological sites, tall buildings etc. While composing with vertical lines, we need to keep the lines vertical in the frame – to state the obvious. If we are looking up at a tall building, the lines will converge towards the top, like railways tracks do in the distance. This is the reason why photographers specializing in this area use perspective correction lens. Most people including me would not carry such a specialized lens. So we have to move back or get up on higher ground if possible. In order to give the sense of scale and grandeur a space deserves it is important to keep other elements like people in the composition. In the picture to the left, alternate dark and light verticals create drama in an old building. A person at the far end could help amplify the vastness of the corridor and make the picture better.
When lines are arranged in a way to form a pattern, a complementary visual element is required to create a break. That break is the key – it does not disrupt the pattern, it only helps to make the picture stand out.
The picture to the left says it all. The vertical bars get a strong complement in the horizontal line of the arms. The verticals and the horizontals create opposing forces which is so appropriate to the content. The beautiful light makes the composition even better.
Training to observe is important and then the eye recognizes opportunities of using visual elements like vertical lines in a split second.
