The Definition of Eye Line in Photography
The eyes have it, and nowhere is this more true than in photography. Being attentive to how a subject's eyes and gaze align in your picture will help you to create stunning shots with ease.
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Definitions
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In photography terms, the eye line deals specifically with implied line of sight that the subject's eyes follow. In portrait photography, the term may also refer to the line created by the alignment of the right and left eyes.
Aligning Gaze
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The gaze of the subject in a photograph can change the entire mood of the photograph. A direct gaze adds intensity, while a downward glance suggests bashfulness. If the subject is looking at another object, even if that object is out of frame, it is essential that the eye line be properly aligned. A misaligned eye line can make an otherwise powerful photo look like the work of an amateur.
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Portrait Composition
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When composing a portrait, the location of the subject's eyes has a direct impact upon how the observer views the photograph. As a general rule of thumb, place the subject's eye line toward the top third of the frame.
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References
- Photo Credit beautiful eyes image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com