As the title implies, this assignment entails composing your image to include a curve in the shape of an S. An S-curve used as a leading line can be one of the most effective methods of drawing your viewer into the scene. The dynamics of an S-curve keep the viewer’s eyes moving, drawing them further and further into the scene and enticing them to linger and observe all of the details along the way.
An S-curve doesn't necessarily have to be a leading line, but can be something as subtle as a body position, or an S-shaped flow through the image created by the position of several compositional elements. Composing an image using an S-curve can impart a graceful flow or rhythm to a landscape image, or a sense of elegance or sinuous grace to a portrait. The use of the S-curve has been a well-known technique in sculpture since the ancient greek masters (Venus de Milo) and in painting at least as far back as the 16th century.
One of the more famous photographs, and one that is probably most responsible for bringing the use of the S-Curve into popular photography is the image of
The Tetons and the Snake River photographed by Ansel Adams.
The Tetons and the Snake River photographed by Ansel Adams
Note on copyright status of this image: In 1941 the National Park Service commissioned noted photographer Ansel Adams to create a photo mural for the Department of the Interior Building in Washington, DC. This image was taken as part of that project, and therefore the image is considered to be in the Public Domain.
Please upload your submissions into the "S-curve" album in the Weekly Assignments category of the gallery no-later-than midnight, Mountain time (GMT -07:00) on Sunday, 26 June 2011. I'll look forward to seeing your images. (Hmmm, time to go exploring for S-curves...)
Keith
