Pre-existing lines in architecture or city sky lines can dramatically add visual and emotional effect to a photo. Lines draw our glances and attention to certain parts of the picture. They can also impact the human eye very calmly and harmoniously, just think of the impact a wide horizon has.

Picture dominating vertical and diagonal lines, in combination with a somewhat emphasized foreground, usually produce the dramatic effect of pulling the viewer along into a spell. In architecture photography, strength and stability are nearly exclusively communicated through dramatic line guidance. These effects are a product of the human physiology, optical illusions and conscious and unconscious associations with our surroundings and orientation points. Moreover, such features are heavily present in some of the best photography picture subjects: parks and monuments.

Our attention is quickly drawn to wherever the line leads. A shot, where strong vertical and diagonal lines run together towards the horizon, spontaneously leads the human eye to a certain point. The most well known examples in this area are with parks and monuments. These have been designed to achieve a certain emotional impact and have, therefore, have clear and defined lines.

Emphasizing the foreground area delivers the perspective and the illusion of being in the middle of the action and even  producing the desire to move in its direction. Through a well selected foreground, the viewer could picture themselves as “standing inside the photo” and examining the background scene.

Finally, the trick for perfectly using lined scenes is to ensure that there are not too many lines running in different directions. That would only confuse and bewilder our eye, without offering it any point to look at. The strongest effect is achieved with strong, uninterrupted lines.

The above two pictures are quality examples of the results strong lines and an emphasis on the foreground can achieve.