Leading lines…

Paula’s black and white Sunday this week is all about Diagonals. In photography there are many ways to compose an image. Line, shape, and form are three building blocks to add depth and interest to your photos. This week Paula wants us to look at the way leading lines – whether intentional or accidental or man-made or natural – draw your eye through a photograph.

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I was looking through my recent beach photos, not a subject I’d normally select for black and white photography, when I noticed how many shots use the effect of shooting on the diagonal, to draw the viewer into the picture. Have a look and see if you agree.

(Above) I used the softly curving waves to draw the eye along the beach – these are always at a natural diagonal.

(Below) Paths, boardwalks, fencing are all man-made, but position yourself in the right spot and the eye is drawn along the perimeter into the distance. In the first image the direction of the fence post shadows also lead you along the path.

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and in these two the fence takes you over the undulating dunes.

Please visit Paula to see other representations of this week’s challenge.

Abstract

Paula’s black and white Sunday this week is all about the Abstract things we see all around us in normal everyday items. Often  relating to or denoting art that does not attempt to represent external reality, but rather seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, colours, and textures.

As someone who adores looking for patterns and textures and shapes this is right up my street.

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Paris in Springtime

Paula’s black and white Sunday this week is delicate. Now my selected image may not conjure up fine craftsmanship or intricate textures, but I am aiming for a sense of elegance and grace with these lovely trees providing an intimate framework for the pleasures of Parisians enjoying the spring air.

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Lovers sitting on a bench, a child playing, families strolling through le Jardin des Plantes, the main botanical garden in France which lies in the 5th arrondissement of Paris on the left bank of the Seine. This photo reminds me of the sort of picture we used to study at school during our French lessons in order to learn the vocabulary and practice speaking. So many details to find.

A lingering look at Shropshire

Paula’s black and white Sunday this week is all about Rural Living.

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I was going to post a view from my new house, but then I thought it would be nice to show off a bit more of the beautiful Shropshire landscape which has kept me company during the past four and a half years. Just a couple of miles walk from the town you find yourself with views like these. I have to say I will miss them. The Ent-like trees, the dead straight hedgerows, the sheep in the fields, the tracks of tractors, the black and white timber-framed houses and the hills. Shropshire is a beautiful rural county and I think this image captures its beauty.

Please visit Paula to see other blogger’s thoughts about rural living.