PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area

Welcome to the "Arc/Curved Line" Challenge
Before I begin, let me say up front, I am NOT an authority on this subject. A post last year got me thinking and I wanted to know more. The best way to learn, they say, is to try and teach something. Hoping some of the more experienced will correct and/or add to what I've found.

The purpose of this challenge: explore the use of arcs, or curves, in composing images. Curved lines can bring drama, an eye pleasing element, and rhythm to an image by leading the eye into/out of the photograph, to a point of interest, or act as a frame. Curves are rhythmic, graceful, dynamic and add energy to a composition. They exist in nature, landscapes still life, architecture, portraits. Check out this excellent article.

http://digital-photography-school.com/composing-with-curves

I also recommend this 3.21 minute YouTube (upbeat music, no spoken words and a really clear explanation of curves and other composition elements.) "5 Photography Composition Tips with 70+ Examples"

http://youtu.be/7XSsV0ZddeU

Not all arcs or curved lines work -or mine didn't anyway and I will post some.

So let's start! Show me your arcs, curved lines, and S curves.

Plenty of arcs here - where do they take your eye?


Too many to count - dramatic use of curved lines


Repeating arcs that draw one into the image


Can you see the arcs? Maybe you found more than I


Oodles of arcs and they are intersected by the top of the wave. The surfer and his body position are the focal point.


See any here?


Top of Cardinal's body forms an arch and curved line branches frame him.

PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area

I'll be posting more examples throughout the challenge. I found another article if you really want to "dig in" - it is about geometric shapes in elements of composition.

http://digital-photography-school.com/advanced-composition-using-georgraphy

Roadrunner Loc: Quebec, Canada

Holy Arcs. The top one is the cemetery entrance. Thanks Pat, way to go. Take something that you have a problem with, make a Challenge and we'll all learn

This way the preacher could see who was sleeping

markar Loc: Michigan

Wonderful examples Pat. I plan to watch the videos.

Bushido Loc: No Where and Every Where

Great start Pat. Here are a few archival images to help kick things off.

markar Loc: Michigan

Wow Jim, that raised pulpit is fabulous and perfect for this challenge.

markar Loc: Michigan

Very neat examples Bushido.

plessner Loc: North Dakota

thanks for sending me the link Pat--this looks to be an interesting one with lots to learn too.

laskalass Loc: Land of the Midnight Sun

Pat, I spent 17 years as a Russia Orthodox... that dome is an orthodox Church where is it? Where did you take those pictures? Looks like the one up here in Anchorage...nice examples and teaching...

photogrl57 Loc: Tennessee

I had to do some research on this one after it was mentioned a few days ago. I found out it's basically leading lines ... something that draws the eye into and around the photograph.
That was my duhhhhh moment lol. I hadn't heard that expression before a few days ago. See what happens when you take some time off hahhaha. I found these in the archives figured they fit the challenge.

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

I hope this fits the bill.

Lobby of Aulani Spa/ Resort in Oahu, HI (A Disney Property)


Dole Plantation enroute to the North Shore


Just outside of Haleiwa

laskalass Loc: Land of the Midnight Sun

Wow that last one is so elaborately and ornately made...cool...thats my favorite..

laskalass Loc: Land of the Midnight Sun

Page One
PATOGRAPHY--Love those examples...Im fascinated by the Orthodox Church though...
ROADRUNNER--Where is that Church? Is it episcopalian? Never saw that central dais except in movies inside English Cathedrals. I love photos of Old Churches..
BUSHIDO--the top one looks spooky I think I see a vampire lurking there...the colorful lamps make a pretty pattern.
The old celler door reminds me of a castle...all are very good pics.
PHOTOGRL--I must also ask you where those shots were taken?Looks like Santa Fe or even San Antonio...were they taken in Arizona?? Especially love that street with the dirt road...and the curvy pathway...
MIKED--nice bridge arcs...the top one though is really awesome with that lovely walkway...I wish people would say where the photos are from...lol

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

Hawaii was loaded with arced and curvy things. I will see what else you might enjoy on the morrow.

lhammer43 Loc: San Antonio, TX

Really nice examples Pat to start this challenge. I'll be looking for fresh ones in Missouri. In the mean time from my archives and the land of natural arcs an curves in Utah.

Natural arches galore.


Interesting curves in the rocky landscape.


Really old growth curves.