Geometric shapes and lines in photography: triangle, circle, diagonal picture structures

Use shapes as screen elements

Observe the existing shape relationships in the subject, foreground, and background. Adobe explains, for example, that a triangular outline can point to the subject like an arrow, and a circular outline can be used to highlight the subject; the actual effect still depends on the position, size, and surrounding content of the shape, and they should not be regarded as fixed psychological cues. 〔G-GEO-01〕

Use lines to organize sight lines

Roads, building edges, tree branches, or repeated lines in the picture can all become compositional elements. Horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and converging lines may draw attention to areas within the frame; straight lines and curves may also directly become the subject of the photo. Try changing the direction of the line into the frame and check if it actually serves the subject. 〔G-GEO-02〕

Comparative geometric relationship between moving camera positions

If the same scene is shot from different heights or directions, the relative relationship between the foreground, middle ground and background will change, and may also show different shapes or line convergence relationships. Adobe recommends observing geometry and viewpoint, and introduces the perspective effect of converging lines forming a vanishing point. You can take several shots for comparison, and then choose the one that best suits the purpose of expression; there is no need to forcefully apply triangle, circle or diagonal formulas. 〔G-GEO-03〕