3. Parallel Lines

PARALLEL LINES are probably one of the most overlooked photographic elements. When on location, you’ll see natural horizontal and vertical lines created in your scene by various objects, such as cars, buildings, fireplaces, the beach, light poles, and other design elements. Some of these objects will have stronger horizontal or vertical lines than others. Line them up with your viewfinder to make them parallel and you will be harnessing their strong visual presence to your advantage.

Don’t worry—you will not create any distractions from your subjects. When the lines are parallel, they don’t raise a red flag to your eye, and your viewers’ attention remains on your subjects as intended. Now, here comes the tough part. If you tilt ...

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