In conjunction with Shoot Diagonal Composition and Create Artistic Image From Object Around Us, I start to realize that lately I have been shot a lot of road markings.
Few reasons why I like to shot them:
– They are everywhere and easy to find.
– They have dynamic feel because either they point at something (arrow form) or simply a straight line that great for leading line.
– They come in contrast colours like yellow or orange, therefore able to create image with stronger looks.
– They remain on the same position for long time, perfect for fishing technique.
Try to combine them with suitable subject. There are several ways to create more creative shots use road markings:
Leading line
Visual perception. When we see an arrow mark pointing at something, then we will automatically give more attention to that objects By put our main subject at the end of arrow line, road marking will act as leading line that attract viewer’s attention to subject.
If possible we also can add more context by using advertisement board to add story line. In my imagination for photo above, it feels like the old man is part of family with two women inside poster (as father/husband). Also, it feels like he is the one who got high cholesterol because there is a red arrow pointed at him (red colour is a sign of danger).
Colour match
Play with colours. In photo above I waited on the scene till subject with similar colour scheme came into my frame. Subject’s outfit that has yellow (and a hint of orange) colour match the road marking’s colours.
Shoot moving gesture
I always feel that dynamic photograph consist of “movement effect” created by shot subject’s moving gesture. Read here for more about shoot moving gesture. Also notice that yellow zebra cross, red pavement and blue/yellow shoes create a strong colour contrast.
Shoot it diagonally
Do not only to shoot head on, but also try the other angle like high, low, or diagonal. Personally, diagonal angle “easily” able to create more dynamic feel. Like in photo above I shoot road marking diagonally to create more depth effect.
Diagonal line is the most simple way to create photograph with strong presence for audience’s visual. What we need to do is pay more attention to anything that has diagonal form, and think how to put subject inside our frame. – Diagonal Composition
Shoot it everyday
The biggest benefit of road marking as artistic object: We can find it everyday, therefore we can shoot it creatively everyday too. Most of photos in this post made when I was about going to work or when I took a lunch break. Read here for more about shooting street everyday.
That is all my thought about shooting road markings. Feel free to experiment yourself and create a creative line marking shots!
Keep shooting everyday,
Nico Harold