Irresistible S-Curves

One of the most common things that we as photographers grapple with in our pursuit of excellence and creating captivating images, is improving our compositions. This is arguably the most difficult facet to master in the photography realm and oftentimes, takes years and years of practice, trial and error, and patience with ourselves. Although I believe time and perseverance to be the ultimate allies in helping us to master our compositions, there are some other tools and compositional techniques that we can use to draw the viewer’s eye into our images. Not only will these techniques draw their attention into the image, it may also keep their attention within the composition, as well as potentially retracing their visual steps to soak in even more. Ultimately, we want those who are seeing and taking in our images to feel compelled to linger within its frame. Photographic techniques allow us to creatively set the stage for the image; to either help someone follow a path through it, or, bring them to a conclusion or place of prominence in the picture. These tools and techniques are very similar to what we also call, templates. Just like a home architect potentially uses design templates to inspire or help jumpstart the creative process of designing a home, we as photographers can use some of those same templates/techniques within our tool box to increase our arsenal of creative power.

Before getting to the compositional technique that I’ll be focusing on, there are some helpful questions that I often ask myself when analyzing my own images from a compositional point of view, typically right before taking the shot, and right after:

Is there a certain subject or area where the weight of the photo rests?

Where is the focal point within the four corners of the frame?

Is there a place that my eye is drawn to within the frame that I want the viewer’s eye to see?

Can I deliberately incorporate a compositional technique into this setting or landscape I am photographing to help create a more compelling shot?

These are just a few of the questions that are often on my mind when I am on location and may be of assistance for you as well. I don’t believe there is ever a time as a photographer where we should get a sense of feeling like we have arrived at a place of complete understanding or elitism within our work. We should always continue along the path of learning and growing in our skills and techniques to improve our work over time.

One of the tried and true methods to obtaining great compositions comes from using the “rule of thirds.” While this certainly works for certain landscapes as well as other types and niches of photography, there are some other techniques, or what I referred to earlier as templates, to achieve compelling compositions. One of these, is called the S-Curve. Within the realm of painting, this is known as “the line of beauty.” There is something special about implementing this kind of geometry within a composition that adds a sense of grace and elegance to the image. One of the greatest traits of capturing this in nature or using this technique is that it will give a further sense of depth to your composition. Depth is one of the key tenants that when captured in a photo, will typically make for a wonderful composition.

If you take a look back in your archives, you may realize that you may have already taken quite a few pictures with this running through the frame. It is a guide of sorts and takes the viewer on a journey through the frame, typically in a horizontal fashion, but can also be used in a vertical perspective within drone photography and videography, as well as with a telephoto lens, looking down from a mountaintop or rim of a canyon at a river or stream in a valley below. There are countless ways to implement the S-Curve in your compositions and it doesn’t just have to be bodies of water. Next time you are outside, take a look at these types of leading lines that are within creation and the nature that surrounds us. Sometimes you will have to be in a place of discomfort to see them, but you will be grateful when you look back that you put yourself in the right spot to capture it. One of the first places I was able to put this compositional technique into practice was in Alaska capturing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). On nights where the lights were not as explosive or having a supernova kind of nature to them, they sometimes appeared as rivers in the sky, having curve-like qualities to them. Another place that you can find this in astrophotography is within the stars themselves. In the darker places of the world, where light pollution is at a minimum, when you gaze up, your eye may be drawn to star trails and constellations where the stars seem to be running along a curve through the night sky. Longer sections of trails are also great for implementing this into your compositions. So next time you are out on location shooting, keep your eyes peeled for these almost irresistible curves in nature.

Here are some images that I have taken over the years that implement the S-Curve into the composition:

Not only can the S-Curve be the focal point of your image, but it can also be used to add another subtle dimension to your images. Using the curve of a fence-line in the background of a barn, the ridge of a sand dune that winds to a vast mountain range in the distance, or a wispy cloud formation that comes alongside a beautiful sunrise or sunset would be a great element that can bring your viewer’s eye in for more of the moment or subject you captured.

A couple more thoughts regarding implementing the S-Curve into your shots. First, to save you time and a bit of frustration, make sure that there is nothing obstructing your view of the curve, especially if you are planning to use it as the focal point of the image. If you cannot get yourself completely out and around the obstacle that is hindering the curve from being fully exposed, then try and minimize the impact it may have on the focal point and curve within the frame so it doesn’t distract the viewer’s eye. Secondly, make sure that the S-curve is placed properly within the frame so that it balances out the entirety of the composition. It will take some time, energy, and having a creative eye to implement this technique and template into your photography, but when you do, those who are viewing your images will be in for a real treat.

People often ask who implemented these certain artistic or photographic techniques into art and photography as we know it today. Although there have certainly been people like Ansel Adams, Harriet Chalmers Adams, and Bradford Washburn who have used it with great results within their works, there is ultimately one source of all beauty as we see and know it. All beauty, imagery, and yes, even the elegance of curves within nature belong to our vast Creator. God Almighty is the One who has the ultimate sway and creative power over the world as we see it today. His hand shaped, fashioned, and gave life to all things. From Him, to Him, and through Him are all things. These curves within nature are just a taste of the creativity and handiwork of Him.

Lastly, I encourage you to assess your work. Maybe you are getting to the end of this blog post and realizing that you have never actually used the S-Curve within your shots. Or, you are thinking that you don’t use it to your advantage enough within your compositions. In either case, I challenge you, this week, or sometime within the month, to get outdoors (or indoors if you prefer) and use this elegant feature to create a compelling composition.