The tree trunks are a good example of the use of vertical lines. Orang-utan rehab center, Bukit Lawang, Sumatra, Indonesia

Following on from the earlier post about horizontal lines, it’s time to look at vertical lines. They offer suggestions of power, strength, dominance and growth. Think of trees, human figures, skyscrapers, towers, power poles and the like. All seem to be reaching for the sky, yet also anchored by gravity to the ground.

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As with keeping the horizon straight in a horizontal image, pay attention to your verticals. Try to line them up with the edges of the frame and not tilt them too much. Also remember the rule of thirds. You don’t want to place a single vertical straight through the center of the frame, effectively cutting the photo in half.

Vertical lines don’t always have the idea of a supporting base that horizontals do. As such, they can imply movement and speed. Using a telephoto lens to shoot along a road from a raised vantage point is a good example of this.

While it’s normal to use a vertical or portrait orientation when shooting vertical lines, if there are enough verticals in the frame, a horizontal (landscape) orientation can often be aesthetically pleasing. Think of a series of fence posts or people standing. The verticals need to be strong for this to work though.

Strong verticals can also work in a horizontal (landscape) orientation.

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